The Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that the organization will be committing four percent of its annual wage bill to fund its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) tagged “Customs Care.”

Comptroller-General Adeniyi said in Abuja during the launch of the “Customs Care,” that the 4 percent is equivalent to 50 percent of each officer’s one-month salary.

“Following extensive consultations with the NCS management, I am pleased to disclose that the Service has committed to earmark approximately 4 percent of our annual wage bill (equivalent to 50 percent of each officer’s one-month salary) to fund this initiative.”

He said education was the first pillar of the launch at Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

He said NCS educational support program includes adopting schools in areas of its operation following thorough selection criteria, conducting comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps, and jointly prioritizing interventions in collaboration with relevant authorities.

“NCS provides learning materials, rehabilitates critical infrastructure, and offers scholarships to promote academic excellence and ensure no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints.”

He said the service having identified security as part of the gaps, has commissioned the installation of CCTV cameras in the school.

He added that the NCS will also install solar-powered streetlights throughout the premises of the school.

The Customs boss also noted: “This flagship project at GSS Wuse Zone 3 follows this model, where we have identified security infrastructure as the school’s priority based on consultations with authorities.

In response, we have commissioned the installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered streetlights throughout the compound, while our technical team has been tasked with renovating the school’s auditorium, in addition to providing learning materials to all students.”

He said this first initiative represents the first of many interventions planned across NCS operational areas in Nigeria’s 6 geopolitical zones.

He further noted that the service will adopt one school in each Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), implementing tailored programs that address the unique needs and challenges of each institution. 

Adeniyi further revealed, “Our selection of GSS Wuse Zone 3 to kick-start this CSR and adopt-a-school initiative is not coincidental – it stems from our historical connection as former neighbors. We felt a profound responsibility to extend this gesture to a community that once hosted and supported us during our formative years in this location. I want to emphasize that these school adoptions, including GSS Wuse Zone 3, are long-term commitments. We will continue to impact these institutions over the years, ensuring sustainable development rather than one-time interventions.

“We have prioritized education as our initial focus because we recognize that developing human capital is fundamental to sustainable socioeconomic growth and national prosperity. 

“Through the Customs Cares Initiative, we aim to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s educational sector as well as demonstrate that NCS is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8 priority areas”, the NCS boss assured.