Customs Renovates Lagos School, Donates Learning Materials, Offers Medical Aid Under “Customs Cares” CSR Initiative

Customs Renovates Lagos School, Donates Learning Materials, Offers Medical Aid Under “Customs Cares” CSR Initiative

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a major boost to grassroots education and community development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” has renovated and equipped the Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School in Araromi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The facelift, executed in partnership between the Tin Can Island Port Command and Customs Headquarters, Abuja, saw the school—established in 1960—transformed into a modern learning environment, complete with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance teaching and learning.

CGC Adeniyi commissioning the renovated school,at Ajeromi Ifelodi ,Lagos,on Thursday 

Speaking at the official commissioning of the project on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects Customs’ broader commitment to national development through social investment.

“This effort has not only improved the physical condition of the school but has rekindled hope in the hearts of pupils and the community. We are targeting 50,000 students nationwide with educational support this year and have already reached over 12,000, including 5,000 in Lagos,” Adeniyi said.
At the event, 2,000 pupils received educational materials including bags, books, and stationery. The Customs team also offered free medical checkups to attendees—youth and elderly alike—underscoring the multifaceted nature of the intervention.

Adeniyi reiterated Customs’ intention to expand CSR efforts to sectors such as sports, healthcare, ICT, and the creative industry. He announced that the Service’s next intervention would focus on revamping sports facilities in the community, particularly the popular Maracana sports complex.

“The Customs is not in competition with any agency, but recognizes the importance of giving back to communities that host our operations,” the CGC stated.

He urged the pupils to make the best use of the upgraded facilities, stressing the value of education as a pathway to personal and national growth.

Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi,presenting a souvenir to CCG Adeniyi 

The Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude to the CGC for prioritizing community impact and praised the school’s management and stakeholders for their support throughout the renovation process.

Traditional ruler of Apapa Kingdom, HRM Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, commended the Customs for the unprecedented intervention and urged other government agencies, particularly the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to emulate the gesture.

Federal Representative for Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency, Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, and Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, also lauded the Customs for bridging educational gaps. Ali-Balogun promised that the state’s Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) would ensure proper maintenance of the facility.

Outgoing Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Fatai Ayoola, described the intervention as “historic,” adding that it is the first time such extensive developmental support has been brought to the community.

Headmistress of the school, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi, said the transformation went beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as “a reflection of belief in our pupils’ potential and a commitment to walk this educational journey with us.”

“Your generosity has created a safer, more inspiring, and dignified environment for both teaching and learning,” she told the Customs team.
The occasion ended with the presentation of appreciation awards to CGC Adeniyi by the school and local authorities, symbolizing the deep gratitude of the community.

The Customs Cares initiative continues to gain national traction as a model for government-led grassroots impact, with thousands of lives already touched across multiple sectors.