Ministers, WHO Officials Applaud Nigeria Customs Service's Landmark CSR Initiative

Ministers, WHO Officials Applaud Nigeria Customs Service's Landmark CSR Initiative

........CGC Adeniyi Leads Groundbreaking Educational and Social Development Intervention

**Abuja, Nigeria – March 21, 2025**  

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a landmark Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, "Customs Cares," aimed at fostering **transformative community development** across the nation.  

The official unveiling of the initiative took place on **Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja**, where over **1,300 students benefited** from the first phase of the program. The launch attracted **Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development**, along with representatives from the **World Health Organization (WHO)** and other key stakeholders.  

A Bold Vision for National Development 

Comptroller-General of Customs, **Adewale Adeniyi**, described "Customs Cares" as a **strategic response** to Nigeria’s critical **educational, social, and infrastructural challenges**.  

*"This initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where we operate,"* he stated.  

He emphasized that the program aligns with **President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda** and the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**.  

*"This initiative is strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes holistic national development. Inspired by this framework, we are focusing on six key pillars, beginning with education."*  

Commitment to Education and Long-Term Impact**  

The **first phase** of "Customs Cares" prioritizes **education**, with **Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3**, selected based on its **historical significance and infrastructural needs**. The **NCS has pledged long-term support**, ensuring continued interventions beyond an initial donation.  

*"We have prioritized education because human capital development is fundamental to national prosperity. This initiative is not just about donations but long-term commitments to sustainable development,"* CGC Adeniyi said.  

The program will be **expanded across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)**, with **one school adopted per Local Area Council** to address **specific needs** in each institution.  

*"These school adoptions are long-term commitments. We will continue to impact these institutions over the years, ensuring sustainable development rather than one-time interventions,"* Adeniyi assured.  

Government and Stakeholder Commendations 

**Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun**, lauded the initiative, describing it as a **game-changer** in **government-led social impact efforts**.  

*"The Customs Cares initiative exemplifies how government institutions can integrate social impact into their core mandates. I commend the Comptroller-General of Customs for this visionary leadership, and the Ministry of Finance fully supports this initiative,"* he stated.  

**Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa**, also praised the program, stressing that it aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for **transforming Nigeria’s educational sector**.  

*"President Tinubu believes in human capital development, which centers on youth and our future. This administration prioritizes education, healthcare, social investment, and food security,"* he noted.  

He encouraged the **Nigeria Customs Service** to **collaborate with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC)** to enhance the initiative’s effectiveness.  

**Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande**, highlighted the program’s impact on **youth empowerment**, describing it as a **model for government agencies** seeking to contribute beyond their traditional mandates.  

*"Investing in youth development through education aligns with the federal government’s commitment to building a skilled and productive generation,"* he said.  

Beyond Education: Expanding Social Interventions**  

**Comptroller Patience Ibrahim**, head of the **NCS Corporate Social Responsibility Unit**, outlined the broader **impact areas** of the initiative, including:  

- **Healthcare**: Deployment of **mobile clinics**, medical outreaches, and **anti-malaria campaigns**.  

- **Infrastructure**: Development of **water boreholes**, electricity upgrades, and school security improvements.  

- **Economic Empowerment**: Skills acquisition programs to **foster self-reliance** and boost employment.  

- **Agriculture Support**: Strengthening the **agricultural value chain** through food donations and market access for farmers.  

*"We will deploy mobile clinics, conduct medical outreaches, and implement anti-malaria campaigns to improve community health, particularly in underserved areas of our operations,"* she added.  

School Principal, Community Leaders Express Gratitude  

The **Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu**, expressed profound appreciation for the initiative, calling it a **historic moment** for the school.  

*"The Nigeria Customs Service has invested in our students and strengthened the foundation for their future. This initiative will significantly improve the learning environment through security infrastructure and educational materials,"* she stated.  

The launch of **"Customs Cares"** attracted several distinguished guests, including **WHO representatives, Deputy Comptrollers-General of Customs, Assistant Comptrollers-General of Customs, heads of various Customs formations, and local community leaders**.  

With its **ambitious scope and long-term vision**, the **Nigeria Customs Service** has set a precedent for **government institutions integrating social impact into their core functions**, positioning itself as a leader in **community-driven development**.