By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has marked the first anniversary of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, known as ‘Customs Cares’, with the commissioning of a major project at Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, performed the ceremony on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, in the presence of students, teachers and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi said the decision to adopt the school under the CSR framework has yielded positive results, especially in academic performance and the learning environment.
“What we have seen here today shows clearly that we did not make a mistake in adopting this school. The performance by the students reflects the impact of what has been done,” CGC Adeniyi said.
He explained that the intervention goes beyond physical structures. He noted that it has opened up opportunities for students to interact, discover their talents and improve academically.
“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about creating opportunities for young people to grow, interact and build confidence for the future,” he said.
The Customs boss also praised the school management for identifying key areas of need early. He said this helped the Service to focus on infrastructure and security improvements.
He stated that the Service renovated important facilities and installed solar-powered lighting to enhance safety within the school.
“This is a promise made and a promise kept. We are pleased that the project has been delivered on time and to the benefit of the students,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi advised students to make good use of the new facilities. He stressed the importance of building communication and public speaking skills for future success.
“You must take advantage of what has been provided here. These facilities are meant to help you discover yourselves and prepare for greater responsibilities ahead,” he added.
He also highlighted the need to maintain the facilities. He warned that many public projects fail due to poor maintenance. He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to consider partnerships that will support long-term upkeep.
“Our office remains open for further collaboration, but we must ensure that what has been provided is properly sustained,” he said.
Earlier, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Cares Unit, Patience Ibrahim, said the event celebrated both the initiative’s first anniversary and the delivery of one of its key projects.
She said the programme was designed to address development needs in communities where the Service operates.
“In just one year, the initiative has grown into a recognised platform for delivering impactful projects across the country, and this intervention reflects the Service’s commitment to education as a driver of national development,” she said.
The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Board, Danlami Hayyo, described the project as a strong example of institutional collaboration. He said it shows a clear commitment to the future of students.
“This intervention goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a commitment to the future of these students and to the broader goal of sustainable development,” he said.
Hayyo commended the NCS for extending its efforts to key sectors such as education, health and the environment. He added that the initiative creates room for stronger cooperation with the education sector.
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse, Josephine Ugwu, said the project marks an important milestone in the school’s partnership with the Customs Service.
She listed the components of the intervention to include the renovation of the multi-purpose hall, installation of CCTV cameras, provision of solar-powered streetlights and distribution of learning materials.
“These facilities have transformed our environment. The hall will now serve as a centre for learning, cultural activities and talent development,” she said.
Ugwu said the project will have a lasting effect on students and improve the sense of community within the school.
Activities at the event included a basketball match between the Nigeria Customs Service team and students of the school.
The Customs Comptroller-General and his team also planted trees alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board and other invited guests.