Does The Nigeria Customs Care?

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“The hands that brings flowers nevers goes unperfumed”

By Kelvin Kagbare

Without any iota of doubt, there is  consensus among maritime stakeholders and players in the economic circle of Nigeria that the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Wale Adeniyi, MFR, is enjoying and riding high under thunderous public applause following the numerous innovations, trade polices and people oriented body language the Service has assumed in recent times.

The Awards have been coming in torrents from within and outside Nigeria; deservedly so.

In furtherance of and in order to expand its corporate outreach, foster inclusive growth and maintain sustainable impact in communities where it operates, the Service has established a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Unit to drive its commitment to national development.

According to Abdullahi Maiwada, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, NPRO, of the Service, the initiative underscores the Service’s recognition of its broader responsibility beyond trade facilitation, revenue generation and border security.

The NPRO in a media statement disclosed that the CSR Unit will spearhead programs under the “Customs -Cares” initiative, designed to support national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“These initiatives will include; school renovations, mobile clinic activations, food and medical aid, agricultural support, skills acquisition programs, and youth empowerment. Through these strategic interventions, the NCS seeks to enhance public trust, strengthen community relations, and improve the well-being of Nigerians” Maiwada said

The NPRO was emphatic that the Service recognises the importance of collaboration in achieving this initiative.

The Customs image maker declared that the Service  is ready to work closely with other government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector partners, and local communities to enhance the success of its CSR project.

Maiwada said the launch of the  CSR Unit marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, with structured programs to be implemented nationwide.

Giving further insight on how the Unit shall operate the NPRO said “Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the NCS remains dedicated to integrating social responsibility into its core operations”

“This strategic direction aligns with the Presidential Priority Areas and reinforces the Service’s role as a socially responsible institution”

The Customs mouth piece further explained that through the Customs Cares initiative, the Service will complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, while strengthening community engagement and staff participation in nation-building efforts.

“The NCS encourages officers, stakeholders, and the general public to embrace the Customs – Cares initiative as a collective effort to drive positive change”

“By working together, the Service aims to create sustainable solutions that uplift communities and improve livelihoods. As the program unfolds, the NCS will continue to collaborate with relevant partners to expand its reach and maximize its impact across the country” Maiwada said

Evidently, the Nigeria Customs has demonstrated that it cares for Nigerians and as the saying goes “The hand that bring flowers shall not go unperfumed”