By Rabiu Musa, Abuja
In furtherance to his tripod policy thrust anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation as a veritable tool for robust synergies and Corporate Social Responsibility, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, commissioned a newly renovated Local Authority Primary School and a Primary Healthcare Centre in the Sagbokoji community, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this information at launch; adding, “The Service remains committed to supporting host communities and the initiative addresses both educational and infrastructural needs.”
His words: “We are undertaking projects that will have direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving Infrastructure, where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school. And I’m happy that through Apapa and the Stakeholders, we have been able to deliver on this project.”
The customs boss also reiterated the importance of healthcare to community development, which is a critical pillar of what the service is doing. “We know that the needs of this community is more than what we have done, but we have taken the first step towards entering into an enduring partnership with this community.”
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said, “The project exemplifies the Service’s commitment to community well-being, beyond its core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling.”
Compt. Olomu, asserted “The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night, workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project actually see the light of day.”
In her welcome address, Comptroller of Customs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Compt. Mbuidiffu, said, “With a profound sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this significant Zonal Engagement marking the formal rollout of Customs Cares in Zone A – Lagos. This initiative is not just a programme; it is a reaffirmation of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to community development, human capital investment, and national progress.”
She asserted, “Permit me to begin by most respectfully acknowledging the presence of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to institutional reform have laid the foundation for this historic moment. Under his stewardship, the Service has not only championed bold reforms in trade facilitation and border governance, but is also reimagining its role as a socially responsible institution—responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
She reiterated, “As many of us are aware, the Customs Cares initiative was officially unveiled on the 20th of March 2025 at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. That launch was a defining moment—attended by Honourable Ministers, Heads of Agencies, civil society organisations, and key private sector stakeholders. It was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a bold policy statement that Customs is ready to serve beyond its fiscal and enforcement mandates.”
She added, “Today’s event in Lagos is an intentional move to bring that national vision closer to the people. The Nigeria Customs Service firmly believes that effective CSR must be grounded in local realities. Through the Customs Cares initiative, we are prioritising interventions that are inclusive, impactful, and community-specific. This zonal launch enables us to directly engage our stakeholders—residents, youth, schools, community leaders, and civil society groups—in co-designing solutions that reflect the true needs of our people.From educational support to youth empowerment, health outreach, and environmental sustainability projects, Customs Cares is designed to build bridges of trust between the Service and the public.”
She reaffirmed, “It is also a platform for fostering peace, cooperation, and shared development at the grassroots level.Let me assure all stakeholders present today that your voices matter. Your feedback will guide our actions, and your partnership is crucial to the long-term success of this programme.”
In his goodwill message, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, expressed appreciation to the NCS, describing the gesture as unprecedented. “This is the first time we are witnessing uniform men in the helm of affairs doing this project. And today, I’m highly elated for this gesture. I want to appreciate the NCS for renovating our school and the Primary Healthcare centre.”
The headmaster of LA Primary School, Oladeyo Emmanuel, also lauded the Service for its intervention, noting that the facelift would boost the morale of teachers and students alike.
The event featured the distribution of educational materials to pupils, and culminated in the official commissioning of both the school and the healthcare facility.
