In a bold move to drive social impact, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has launched the “Customs Cares” Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
It is described as a transformative programme aimed at improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure across Nigerian communities.
The official launch at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, saw over 1,300 students benefit from the first phase.
Ministers of Finance, Education, and Youth Development, alongside representatives from the World Health Organization graced the event, underscoring its significance.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi described the initiative as a strategic response to Nigeria’s pressing social, educational, and infrastructural challenges.
“The Customs Cares initiative represents our comprehensive approach to CSR, designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities,” he stated.
He emphasized that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with education as the first pillar of intervention.
“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,” Adeniyi stressed.
To ensure widespread impact, the NCS will adopt one school in each Local Area Council within the Federal Capital Territory addressing specific institutional needs.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised the NCS for integrating social impact into its mandate.
“The Customs Cares initiative is a game-changer. It exemplifies how government institutions can contribute to national development beyond revenue generation,” he said.
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Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, head of the CSR Unit, outlined plans to expand the initiative beyond education, including mobile clinics, medical outreaches, anti-malaria campaigns, water boreholes, electricity infrastructure upgrades, and skills acquisition programmes.
“In our quest to ensure that no Nigerian goes hungry, we will support agricultural extension services, facilitate food donations, and improve market access for farmers,” she added.
Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa commended the initiative for aligning with the administration’s vision for an improved educational system.
“President Tinubu believes in human capital development, focusing on education, healthcare, social investment, and food security. Customs Cares is a significant step in the right direction,” Alausa noted.
He urged the NCS to collaborate with relevant education agencies for greater impact.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande also lauded the initiative, describing it as a model for public institutions.
“Investing in youth development through education aligns with the federal government’s commitment to building a skilled and productive generation,” he said.
The Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Josephine Ugwu, expressed gratitude, stating that the initiative would enhance the school’s academic environment through improved security infrastructure and learning materials.
The launch attracted top Customs officials, local community leaders, and other key stakeholders, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment to national development.
Crediblenewsng.com
