The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Free Trade Zone Area Command (LFTZ) has renovated three blocks of classrooms at the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Ibeju Lekki, demonstrating its commitment to community development.
At the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, 19 December 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zones and Industrial Incentives, Uzor Nwafor, emphasised the importance of education in national development.
DCG Nwafor stated, “By investing in our schools, we are investing in our children and by extension, in the future of our nation.”
She commended the LFTZ command for undertaking the CSR initiative.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olarenwaju Olumoh highlighted the command’s dedication to improving the quality of education in the community. “We believe that when we have a conducive learning environment, quality education will be advanced and guaranteed.”
The Head Teacher of the school, Omolayo Adebayo, expressed gratitude to the NCS for their support. “In order to give our pupils and teachers a conducive learning environment, which has been the desire of the Lagos State Government, a benevolent support can be seen today from the Nigeria Customs Service. We really appreciate that.”
Following the commissioning, the command hosted an end-of-year party for stakeholders, officers, and well-wishers.
In her goodwill message, DCG Nwafor praised CAC Olumoh for his exceptional leadership and revenue generation achievements. She encouraged stakeholders to remain compliant and take full advantage of the benefits of the Zone.
“LFTZ is like a country within a country. Don’t think that a Free Trade Zone is free; it’s just a designated area that is cut out to push economic growth with benefits. Please take advantage of it”, the DCG said.
In his welcome address, CAC Olumoh revealed that the command had surpassed its revenue target for 2024 and emphasised the command’s efforts to create an enabling environment for investors and address the accommodation needs of its officers. “As of yesterday, 18 December, the command met the year’s target and generated a revenue of N341 billion, surpassing last year’s revenue of N74 billion.”
“The issue of accommodation shall no longer be a challenge for our officers in the command. All thanks to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for graciously approving the acquisition of six units of duplexes. That has significantly reduced the burden of accommodation”, Olumoh stated.
Stakeholders at the event commended the NCS for its proactive engagement efforts.
The event concluded with the recognition of officers for their outstanding performance and stakeholders for their continued support.