COWA, Nigeria Customs Launch Health and Environment Initiatives at Seme Border

BY FUNMI ALUKO

In a landmark event that blended humanitarian outreach with environmental stewardship, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), has unveiled two transformative initiatives — the Green Border Initiative and the Customs Care Initiative — at the Seme Border Command.

The twin launch, held under the leadership of COWA National President Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi and Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Babandede, marked a significant step in the Service’s evolving commitment to community welfare, sustainability, and regional cooperation.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Adeniyi described the Green Border Initiative as a dual-purpose project — restoring degraded ecosystems while economically empowering women and youth in border communities. “This initiative is not just about planting trees; it’s about planting opportunities,” she declared. “We are turning waste into wealth, giving our women and youth the skills to thrive in a greener economy.”

The initiative includes coconut tree planting to promote reforestation, financial empowerment for widows and women, distribution of tools for self-reliance, and plans to expand the model globally through strategic partnerships.

Simultaneously, the Customs Care Initiative was flagged off by ACG Babandede on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, MFR.

The program offers free medical consultations and lab tests, screenings for breast cancer, hepatitis B & C, and hypertension, and distribution of medications and eyeglasses.

In his remarks, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, Seme Command Area Controller, while emphasizing the initiative’s impact said, “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 (Dr.) Saadatu Lafia Baba from the Customs Medical Headquarters, Abuja, further highlighted the CGC’s commitment to wellness through proactive medical education and first aid training across commands.

The event also featured the commissioning of solar-powered streetlights and the remodeling of the Officers’ Mess, while atttendance was attracted from Benin Republic Customs, traditional rulers, local government officials, military and paramilitary agencies, as well as industry leaders, reinforcing cross-border collaboration.

ACG Babandede praised the alignment of the initiatives with the CGC’s vision: “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.”

The twin launch at Seme Border symbolizes the Nigeria Customs Service’s holistic approach to service delivery — integrating security, sustainability, and social impact. With plans to scale these initiatives nationwide and globally, the NCS and COWA are setting a precedent for inclusive development at Nigeria’s borders.