Ajegunle, Lagos – July 17, 2025
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) marked a major milestone in its community development efforts on Thursday, July 17, 2025, with the commissioning of the newly renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Ajegunle, Lagos. The event, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the Service’s deepening commitment to education and youth empowerment through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, "Customs Cares."
The project, executed by the Tincan Island Port Command, is part of a broader national vision to uplift underserved communities by improving access to basic education and other essential services.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, CGC Adeniyi described the intervention as “a deliberate investment in the nation's future and a symbol of renewed hope for thousands of Nigerian children.” He emphasized that providing a conducive learning environment is central to shaping the aspirations and potential of the next generation.
“We are happy that our intervention has provided a better learning environment for our students,” Adeniyi said. “More importantly, we are pleased that this gesture under the ‘Customs Cares’ initiative ignites hope in Nigerian families that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, our children can learn in dignity and aspire to greatness.”
The CGC also revealed that the Service is targeting 50,000 students nationwide in 2025 through the distribution of essential school items including uniforms, shoes, raincoats, and school bags. He noted that 10,000 students have already benefited, with 3,000 from Lagos alone. At the Ajegunle event, 2,000 pupils received educational materials as part of the outreach.
Beyond the education sector, CGC Adeniyi outlined five other critical focus areas under the "Customs Cares" initiative: health care, access to clean water, creative industry support, information and communication technology (ICT) advancement, and economic empowerment.
“We recognize that the communities we serve are the backbone of our operations,” he added. “Our CSR efforts are a means of reciprocating their support with sustainable, people-centered development.”
Dignitaries Applaud Customs’ Community Commitment
The commissioning ceremony was attended by an array of dignitaries and stakeholders, including His Royal Highness, Oba Muhammed Maruf, the Olumakinwa of Apapa Kingdom; Chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA, Mayor Fatai Ayoola; and Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, among others.
In his welcome remarks, Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Orbih, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, described the CSR initiative as a model for community engagement, underscoring the responsibility of the zone to lead by example.
“As the foremost zone of the Nigeria Customs Service, we must champion impactful community projects that others across the nation can emulate,” Orbih said.
Also speaking at the event, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, Head of the CSR Unit, reaffirmed the Service’s long-term commitment to building sustainable partnerships with communities.
“This project is a testament to our resolve to build bridges of trust and support in every community where we operate,” she said.
A Community Grateful
The school’s Headmistress, Esther Ogunfuyi, delivered an emotional vote of thanks, applauding the Customs Service for its generosity and recognition of the importance of education.
“This renovation is not just about infrastructure—it reflects your belief in the potential of our children. You’ve given them hope and the tools to dream,” Ogunfuyi said.
Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Area Controller for the host command, also acknowledged the support of private and public stakeholders who made the project a reality.
Cultural Display and Material Presentation
The high point of the event featured vibrant cultural performances by the pupils, reflecting the rich heritage of the Ajegunle community. The ceremony concluded with the formal presentation of learning materials to the pupils and the symbolic commissioning of the renovated school facility.
With “Customs Cares,” the Nigeria Customs Service is redefining its role beyond border management—emerging as a key player in community development and national transformation.
