The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has unveiled two major initiatives ,the Green Border Initiative and the Customs Care Initiative at the Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command. The twin projects were formally launched in a ceremony that combined environmental action with humanitarian service, underscoring Customs’ commitment to sustainable development and community wellbeing.
Representing the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babandede, flagged off the Customs Care Initiative, a medical outreach designed to deliver free healthcare services to border communities. The program offers consultations, laboratory tests, eyeglasses, and essential medications to over 1,000 beneficiaries, including screenings for breast cancer, hepatitis B and C, and blood pressure checks.
ACG Babandede commended the Command and COWA for aligning their projects with the vision of the Comptroller-General, noting that Customs’ new direction integrates human and environmental security into its operational goals. He stated that the initiative should be extended to other Customs Commands across the country to deepen its national impact.
In her keynote address, the National President of COWA , Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, Kikelomo Adeniyi described the Green Border Initiative as both an environmental and economic empowerment project aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems while equipping women and youths in border communities with livelihood skills. She explained that the initiative focuses on promoting sustainable practices, creating economic opportunities, and encouraging environmental stewardship. She further noted that COWA plans to expand the program globally through international partnerships to strengthen its empowerment model.
The Customs Area Controller Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, expressed appreciation to the COWA leadership and Customs Headquarters for selecting Seme as one of the pilot locations. He emphasised that beyond trade facilitation, Customs is increasingly investing in initiatives that improve lives and foster stronger community ties.
Also speaking, Comptroller (Dr.) Saadatu Lafia Baba of the Customs Medical Headquarters, Abuja, highlighted the range of health services available and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to wellness through proactive health education and first aid training.
The event featured the symbolic planting of coconut trees, empowerment of widows and women with financial support and tools for self reliance, and the commissioning of solar powered streetlights and a remodeled Officers’ Mess by ACG Babandede.
Dignitaries in attendance included representatives from Benin Republic Customs, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, military and paramilitary agencies, and captains of industry all reaffirming the importance of cross border collaboration for regional development.
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