csrreporters 
As part of its “Customs Cares” initiative, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is targeting 10 million Nigerians with impactful interventions in education, health, environmental sustainability, and other key areas that support national development.
During the commissioning of the fully renovated Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Ifelodun‑Ajeromi, Lagos, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the agency’s commitment to giving back to communities, especially those that contribute significantly to national revenue.
Adeniyi explained that the Customs Cares initiative is anchored on six key Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pillars: Education, Health, Environment, Food Security, Social Investment, and the Creative Economy. He highlighted that school renovations are a major focus of the education pillar, with careful assessments made before each intervention to ensure measurable benefits to the host communities.
“Before we decide, we always evaluate the impact our intervention will bring,” he said. “From what we saw of this school, we knew any effort here would significantly benefit not just the students but also improve the learning environment.”
Speaking to the pupils, Adeniyi encouraged them to stay focused on their studies, stating that “education is the roadmap to success.” He added that the agency is scaling the initiative nationwide. “All parts of the federation will be included in the Customs Cares plan. Though delayed, we’re advancing efforts in Zone ‘B’, and in Zone ‘C’, we’ve already adopted two schools—one in Cross River State and another in Rivers State.”
Also speaking at the event, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Universal Basic Education in Lagos State, commended the Customs Service for complementing the state’s efforts in education. He stressed that maintenance of educational facilities is as crucial as renovation.
“This is not just about fixing a building; it’s about sustaining an environment that enhances learning and builds knowledge,” Alli-Balogun said. “We are building a future for our children and our communities. The State will work diligently to protect and maintain this school for long-term impact.”
He further revealed that Ifelodun-Ajeromi Local Government holds the record for the highest number of schools in Nigeria, with 71 schools across the LGA, underlining the importance of sustained investment in education infrastructure.
With the Customs Cares initiative, the Nigeria Customs Service is reinforcing its role as not only a revenue-generating agency but also a partner in nation-building, community development, and youth empowerment.