Driving National Development Through CSR
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a transformative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Customs Cares, aimed at fostering youth empowerment, social development, and economic growth across Nigeria. The program was officially unveiled on March 20, 2025, at Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja, by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
A Vision for a Stronger Nigeria
During his keynote address, Minister Edun reassured Nigerian youths of a brighter future, emphasizing economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Highlighting the decline in fuel prices, food costs, and inflation, he stressed that opportunities for high-quality jobs within Nigeria are expanding.
“At a population exceeding 200 million, with youth making up 42%, you are the biggest stakeholders. We are working to ensure you have access to well-paid, high-quality jobs in Nigeria. No need to ‘Japa’ (migrate abroad),” Edun stated. “In fact, those who left will return as Nigeria’s economy continues to strengthen.”
Read also: Nigeria Customs Service Launches CSR Unit to Foster National Development
Six Key Pillars of Customs Cares
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, described Customs Cares as a nationwide CSR initiative designed to create long-term sustainable impact. The initiative is built on six key pillars:
- Education – Scholarships, provision of educational materials, and school infrastructure development.
- Health – Medical outreaches and healthcare interventions.
- Food Security – Support for agricultural initiatives and food aid programs.
- Environmental Sustainability – Renewable energy solutions, waste management, and climate action.
- Social Investments – Water boreholes, electricity infrastructure, and community empowerment projects.
- Skills Acquisition – Training programs for youth and women to enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
Empowering Communities with Targeted Interventions
Adeniyi emphasized that Customs Cares aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This program will be implemented in phases, targeting underserved communities, including border areas, through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations,” Adeniyi stated.
Phase One: Wuse, Abuja
As part of the first phase, NCS announced immediate interventions for Government Secondary School, Wuse, including:
- Installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security.
- Provision of solar-powered streetlights to improve safety and sustainability.
- Scholarships for outstanding students.
- Renovation of the school hall for improved learning conditions.
- Donation of educational materials, including books and school bags.
Nationwide Expansion and Sustainable Funding
The initiative will expand across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with plans to adopt one school per Local Government Area (LGA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure customized interventions tailored to each region’s specific needs.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Customs Cares will be funded through a unique financing model:
- 4% of customs officers’ wage bills – equivalent to 50% of one month’s salary – will be contributed to the initiative.
- Additional voluntary donations from stakeholders will further support project execution.
- A dedicated unit under the Office of the Comptroller-General will oversee project implementation, accountability, and impact measurement.
Government Support and Public Endorsement
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the initiative and urged NCS to collaborate closely with state governments and schools to identify and address key education challenges.
With Customs Cares, the Nigeria Customs Service is setting a new benchmark for CSR in Nigeria, reinforcing its commitment to youth empowerment, community development, and national progress.
