By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set a goal to reach 50,000 pupils nationwide under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, “Customs Cares.”
Launched in 2025, “Customs Cares” aims to support education, healthcare, food security, environmental sustainability, social investment, and the creative economy.
At the programme’s first anniversary held on Tuesday at Government Secondary School, Wuse 3, Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noted that about 15,000 students have already benefited in its inaugural year.
“The programme demonstrates the Service’s resolve to contribute to national development beyond its core responsibilities,” Adeniyi said. He added, “The Service has set a target of reaching 50,000 pupils nationwide,” and reiterated that “about 15,000 students have already benefited within the first year of the programme.”
Adeniyi highlighted that the intervention has expanded beyond school infrastructure to address critical needs such as water supply in underserved communities, in alignment with sustainable development goals.
During the event, the NCS officially commissioned a renovated assembly hall, donated basketball kits and equipment to the school team, and carried out tree planting to promote environmental awareness. Adeniyi explained that the upgraded hall would enhance students’ confidence, creativity, and communication skills.
He also commended the students for their recent basketball victory over the Customs team and stressed the importance of improved learning facilities in shaping young people’s development. The Comptroller-General called for stronger collaboration among schools, government institutions, and private organisations to ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of public facilities.
Comptroller Mbwidiffu Ibrahim, Head of the Customs Cares CSR Unit, described the programme as a strategic response to community development needs, stating it “reflects deliberate investment in the future of young Nigerians and demonstrates the Service’s commitment to continuity, accountability, and measurable impact.”
Representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Secretary for Education Dr Danlami Hayyo commended NCS for prioritising education and urged the school to make effective use of the new facilities. Fatima Gambo Babba, Director and Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, noted the initiative reflects growing collaboration between public institutions and the education sector.
The school Principal, Mrs Josephine Ugwu, expressed gratitude, stating that the programme, which includes CCTV cameras and solar-powered lighting, would significantly enhance teaching, learning, and overall school development.