The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, commissioned a major intervention project at Government Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja, marking the one-year anniversary of the Nigeria Customs Service’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative tagged ‘Customs Cares’.
Addressing students, staff, and stakeholders at the school, Adeniyi said the institution’s adoption under the Service’s CSR framework had already produced encouraging results, particularly in student performance and the overall learning environment.
“What we have seen here today shows clearly that we did not make a mistake in adopting this school. The performance by the students reflects the impact of what has been done,” CGC Adeniyi said.
He described the intervention as more than a physical upgrade, noting that the project has created opportunities for social interaction, talent development and academic growth.
“This is not just about infrastructure. It is about creating opportunities for young people to grow, interact and build confidence for the future,” he said.
The CGC commended the school management for identifying priority needs early in the engagement, particularly in infrastructure and security, which guided the Service’s intervention.
According to him, the Service responded by renovating key facilities and installing solar-powered lighting to improve safety within the school environment.
“This is a promise made and a promise kept. We are pleased that the project has been delivered on time and to the benefit of the students,” Adeniyi said.
He also urged the students to make effective use of the upgraded facilities, particularly in developing communication and public speaking skills, which he described as essential for their future.
“You must take advantage of what has been provided here. These facilities are meant to help you discover yourselves and prepare for greater responsibilities ahead,” he added.
On sustainability, Adeniyi stressed the importance of maintaining the facilities, noting that many public projects deteriorate due to poor upkeep.
He called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to explore structured partnerships that would enable the school to utilise the facility in a way that supports its long-term maintenance.
“Our office remains open for further collaboration, but we must ensure that what has been provided is properly sustained,” he said.
Earlier, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Cares Unit, Patience Ibrahim, said the event marked both the initiative’s first anniversary and the commissioning of one of its landmark projects.
She explained that Customs Cares was conceived as a deliberate response to the developmental needs of communities where the Service operates.
“In just one year, the initiative has grown into a recognised platform for delivering impactful projects across the country, and this intervention reflects the Service’s commitment to education as a driver of national development,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Education Board, Danlami Hayyo, described the project as a reflection of strong institutional partnership and a meaningful investment in the future of Nigerian children.
“This intervention goes beyond infrastructure. It represents a commitment to the future of these students and to the broader goal of sustainable development,” he said.
Hayyo commended the NCS for extending its CSR efforts to critical sectors such as education, health and the environment, noting that the initiative opens the door for deeper collaboration with the education sector.
In her remarks, the Principal of Government Secondary School, Wuse, Josephine Ugwu, said the intervention marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the institution and the NCS.
She disclosed that the project included the renovation of the school’s multi-purpose hall, the installation of CCTV cameras, the provision of solar-powered street lighting, and the distribution of educational materials.
“These facilities have transformed our environment. The hall will now serve as a centre for learning, cultural activities and talent development,” she said.
Ugwu added that the project would have a lasting impact on students and strengthen the sense of community within the school
Highlights of the occasion included a basketball match between the Nigeria Customs Service and students of Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3.
Other activities included the planting of trees by the Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team, as well as Directors from the Federal Capital Territory Secondary Education Board and other guests who graced the occasion.
