Customs Installs CCTV, Streetlights, Renovates Auditorium at FCT School
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” at Government Secondary School (GSS) Wuse Zone 3, in Abuja.
As part of the program, the Service installed CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights across the school’s premises and renovated the auditorium.
The initiative aims to enhance security and improve learning conditions for students.
Speaking at the launch, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the Service’s commitment to community development beyond its core mandate of trade facilitation and border security.
He described Customs Cares as a long-term project that would address social, educational, and infrastructural challenges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
“In recognition of our responsibility to the communities that host us, we have embarked on a comprehensive CSR strategy that prioritizes education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
“Today’s launch at GSS Wuse Zone 3 symbolizes the beginning of our investment in the future of our nation—our youth,” Adeniyi said.
The selection of GSS Wuse Zone 3 was deliberate, Adeniyi explained, as the school holds historical significance for the Nigeria Customs, which once had its headquarters in the area.
The initiative is designed to provide continuous support rather than a one-time intervention. “Our adoption of schools will be sustained over time to ensure lasting impact,” he assured.
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Adeniyi also highlighted plans to extend the initiative across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with one school in each Local Government Area benefiting from tailored interventions.
These efforts will be based on needs assessments conducted in partnership with local education authorities and school management.
The Customs Cares initiative is structured around six key pillars, with education being the primary focus.
Other aspects include healthcare interventions, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment programs.
The Service also intends to launch mobile clinics and malaria prevention campaigns in underserved communities, particularly in border areas.
To sustain funding for the initiative, Adeniyi disclosed that the NCS had committed 4% of its annual wage bill—equivalent to 50% of each officer’s one-month salary.
He praised Customs officers for their voluntary contributions, noting that many had pledged additional support through personal donations and expertise.
In addition to infrastructure projects, the Customs Service is incorporating innovative approaches to environmental sustainability.
A planned recycling initiative will repurpose used tires into school bags, sandals, and tiles, further integrating sustainability into the CSR program.
Principal of the school, Mrs. Josephine Chizoba Ugwu, expressed her excitement over the intervention by the Customs Service.
She described the initiative as a thoughtful gesture that made the students feel pampered and cared for.
She assured that with the improved learning environment, the students would not only excel academically but also develop strong character.
