Customs CG Commissions Primary School, Health Clinic Under Customs Cares in Sagbokoji Community

Customs CG Commissions Primary School, Health Clinic Under Customs Cares in Sagbokoji Community
…..mulls establishment of Junior secondary school in community

CG of Customs, Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commissioning the LA primary school Sagbokoji

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a landmark event underscoring the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to community development, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a fully rehabilitated primary school and officially commissioned a medical clinic in the Sagbokoji community, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, displaying the letter of appreciation and a plaque presented to him by the Sagbokoji community , during the commissioning ceremony of the LA primary school in Sagbokoji on Wednesday,in Lagos

The projects mark the beginning of the Customs Cares Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative within the zone, aimed at addressing critical educational and healthcare challenges.
The initiative is part of a broader national program launched in March 2025 under the leadership of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewole Adeniyi.

Speaking at the well-attended ceremony, CG Adeniyi expressed sincere apologies for the delay in commencement and extended appreciation to community members, stakeholders, and students for their patience and enthusiasm. He emphasized the strategic role of the Customs Service in supporting education and healthcare development, highlighting the renovation of the decades-old school originally established during the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State.

“It is very interesting that an agency under President Tinubu has returned over 20 years later to upgrade the standard and infrastructure of this school,” he noted.

As part of the Customs’ education-focused CSR initiative, the Service distributed school supplies including textbooks, exercise books, school bags, sandals, and learning props to all students of the school. Adeniyi disclosed that extensive consultations were carried out with community leaders and educators before the school was selected for intervention.

CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi receiving handshake from the pupils of the primary school

In the health sector, the Customs CG commissioned a newly upgraded medical clinic to serve the needs of the Sagbokoji community. He also announced forthcoming medical outreach programs, including the distribution of mosquito nets and essential malaria treatments.

Adeniyi revealed plans for long-term partnership with the community, including efforts to establish a junior secondary school in the next phase of intervention, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government. He also advocated for the construction of a connecting bridge to enhance access to nearby secondary schools.

A cross section of students of the primary school displaying the school bags presented to them by the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi

“We know the needs of this community exceed what we have done today, but this is just the beginning. We are committed to doing more,” he assured.

The CG praised the Apapa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the project, stating that their collaboration and determination ensured timely delivery.

The event was marked by a strong sense of community engagement and optimism, with residents expressing gratitude for the much-needed infrastructure improvements.
The projects, CG Adeniyi affirmed, reflect the Customs Service’s dedication to nation-building and enhancing the quality of life for underserved communities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Zonal Coordinator Zone A , Assistant Comptroller Charles Orbih described the launch as a “transformative journey” and a significant milestone in the Service’s community engagement efforts. “This represents not merely a ceremony but the beginning of a transformative journey that will leave lasting footprints in our host communities,” he said.

Inspection of the  new community Clinic 

He said the presence of the CGC at the event is a testament to the importance the Service places on social development alongside its core responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border security.

Under the Customs Care initiative, Zone A has taken the lead in implementing practical projects aligned with Nigeria’s broader development goals, including the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The refurbished school and upgraded clinic are the first in a series of community-focused interventions planned for the region.

Controller Customs CSR Comptroller Pat M Ibrahim, giving her welcome address

Orbih emphasized that these projects symbolize a long-term partnership with communities rather than temporary gestures. “We have mapped out plans to progressively expand similar interventions across several areas within the zone, ensuring that each initiative addresses the unique needs of individual communities,” he noted.

He further acknowledged the importance of education and health as foundational to sustainable development, quoting the Controller General: “We have prioritized education because human capital development is fundamental to national prosperity.
“Together, we are constructing bridges of opportunities and progress that will benefit generations yet to come,” Orbih affirmed.

Tin Can Island Customs Command Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka ,2nd from right,in a photograph with  stakeholders,at the event

Speaking at the event,Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, noted that the project exemplifies the Service’s commitment to community well-being, beyond its core mandates of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling.

“The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night, workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project actually sees the light of day”, Olomu stated.

Earlier in her welcome address,Customs Area Controller in charge of CSR, Comptroller Pat M. Ibrahim,praised the CG of Customs ,for being the brain behind this laudable project.
Her words,” Under his stewardship, the service has not only championed bold reforms in trade facilitation and border governance, but is also reimagining its role as a socially responsible institution, responsive to the needs, concerns and aspirations of the Nigerian people. As many of us are aware, the Customs Place initiative was officially unveiled on the 20th of March, 2025 at Government Secondary School Wuse Zone 3, Abu Dhabi. That launch was a defining moment, attended by honourable ministers, heads of agencies, civil society organisations and key private sector stakeholders.

” It was more than a ceremonial gathering. It was a bold policy statement that Customs is ready to serve beyond its fiscal and enforcement mandates. Today’s event in Lagos is an intentional move to bring that national vision closer to the people.

“The Nigerian Customs Service firmly believes that effective CSR must be grounded in local realities. Through the Customs Cares initiative, we are prioritising interventions that are inclusive, impactful and community specific. This zonal launch enables us to directly engage our stakeholders, residents, youth, schools, community leaders and civil society groups in co-designing solutions that reflect the true needs of our people.”
In his goodwill message, Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh, expressed appreciation to the NCS, describing the gesture as unprecedented. “This is the first time we are witnessing uniform men in the helm of affairs doing this project. And today, I’m highly elated for this gesture. I want to appreciate the NCS for renovating our school and the Primary Healthcare centre.”

CAC Apapa Customs Command and the chief host of the even, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu in a photograph with a colleague.

The headmaster of LA Primary School, Oladeyo Emmanuel, also lauded the Service for its intervention, noting that the facelift would boost the morale of teachers and students alike.
The event was attended by senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, including the Assistant Controller General of Customs, Controllers from various commands, representatives from sister agencies, and key stakeholders from the community.
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude and a renewed pledge by the Service to remain a proactive and responsible corporate citizen.Guests were treated to a rich cultural displays by the community.