The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), led by its National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, has launched the Green Border Initiative at the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command in a twin event that also featured the official flag-off of the Customs Care Initiative; a medical outreach program launched by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, (ACG) Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babandede, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+).
The twin initiatives underscore the Service’s commitment to community welfare, environmental sustainability and regional cooperation, bringing together officers, families, sister agencies, and local communities in a collective drive for impact.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi described the Green Border Initiative as both an environmental and economic empowerment project aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems and empowering women and youth across border communities. “This initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting opportunities. We are turning waste into wealth, giving our women and youth the skills to thrive in a greener economy,” she said. She added that COWA would soon be taking the program global, with partnerships to expand the empowerment model internationally.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga appreciated the support of the COWA National President and the Customs Headquarters for identifying Seme as one of the launch point. He explained that the Customs Care Initiative will provide free medical consultations, laboratory tests, medications, and eyeglasses for over 1,000 beneficiaries, including Screenings for breast cancer, hepatitis B and C and blood pressure checks. “Beyond trade facilitation, we are touching lives and supporting the communities that host us. Every life improved today strengthens the bond between Customs and our people,” Comptroller Adenuga said.
Launching the medical outreach, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Babandede, commended the Command and COWA for aligning their humanitarian efforts with the vision of the CGC. “What we are witnessing today is a reflection of a new era in Customs; one that values not only border security but also human and environmental security. This initiative should extend to all commands nationwide,” he stated.
Also speaking, Comptroller (Dr.) Saadatu Lafia Baba from the Customs Medical Headquarters, Abuja, outlined the health services available and emphasized the CGC’s dedication to wellness through proactive medical education and first aid training across commands.
The event features Coconut Tree planting by the COWA President, empowerment of widows and women in the border community with financial support and tools for self-reliance as well as commissioning of solar-powered streetlights and the remodeled Officers’ Mess by the Assistant Comptroller General Zone A Lagos.
The occasion drew attendance from Benin Republic Customs officials, traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen and Military, Paramilitary and other sister agencies, captain of industries further strengthening cross-border collaboration.
The twin launch symbolises the Nigeria Customs Service’s holistic approach to service, sustainability and social impact.
I Sulaiman
Chief Superintendent of Customs
Customs Public Relations Officer
For: Customs Area Controller
Seme Area Command
