COWA Unveils Green Border Project at Seme, Plants 60 Coconut Trees for Environmental and Community Impact

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has launched its Green Border Initiative at the Seme Area Command, marking the occasion with the planting of 60 coconut trees in Seme Border Town. The initiative aims to combat environmental degradation and foster socio-economic growth in Nigeria’s border communities.

Speaking at the event, the National President of COWA, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, said the tree-planting exercise underscores the association’s commitment to environmental protection and community empowerment.

We are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our border communities. Through this initiative, we aim not only to beautify our border towns but also to provide economic opportunities for women and youth,” she stated.

Mrs. Adeniyi further revealed that COWA plans to plant 5,000 trees across Nigeria’s border communities within the next year as part of its broader goal to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability. The initiative will also introduce recycling programmes, women empowerment schemes, and community development projects to uplift border residents.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, praised the Seme Customs Command for its collaboration with other security agencies and local leaders. He commended the reduction of checkpoints along the Badagry–Seme corridor and called for similar environmental efforts nationwide.

“This initiative should not stop at the borders. Let it extend to other parts of the country so more people can appreciate the importance of protecting our environment,” Babandede urged.

The Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, highlighted the Command’s community-focused projects, including the installation of solar street lights, the remodelling of the Officers’ Mess, and the rollout of medical and empowerment programmes for residents.

According to him, the medical outreach organized in collaboration with the military and other agencies targets 1,000 beneficiaries, offering laboratory tests, medications, eyeglass replacements, and breast cancer screenings.
He also revealed that a philanthropist had supported widows of Customs officers with ₦200,000 each, while ten other beneficiaries received ₦2 million in total to grow their small businesses.

Dr. Sadiya Baba, Head of Gynaecology at the Customs Hospital, emphasized that the outreach covered key health services such as HIV, hepatitis, and blood pressure tests, alongside first aid training to equip participants with life-saving skills.

The event drew attendance from Customs officers, military representatives, traditional rulers, medical professionals, and members of the Seme community, all commending COWA for its dedication to sustainability and social welfare.

Located along the Lagos Abidjan corridor, the Seme Area Command remains one of Africa’s busiest land borders serving as a vital gateway for trade, revenue collection, and security enforcement. The new Green Border Initiative reinforces efforts to balance economic activity with environmental and community well being.