The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has charged officers and men of the Service to prioritize physical and mental fitness, stressing that the demanding nature of their duties makes it imperative to remain in top shape at all times.
Adeniyi gave the charge on Wednesday in Lagos while commissioning a newly constructed sports arena at the Western Marine Command of the Service.
He urged personnel to make maximum use of the facility, noting that regular physical exercise would not only improve their health but also enhance productivity and effectiveness in the discharge of their duties.
“It is my pleasure to be here to commission this sports arena provided for officers and men of the Western Marine Command. Whenever we provide facilities like this, we also have our host communities in mind,” the Customs boss said.
“Because of the nature of our job, we really need to keep fit at all times. It is important to maintain the right balance. That is why we encourage all officers to remain physically and mentally fit. I do my own whenever I have the time in Abuja. Most Saturdays, you won’t find me in bed early in the morning; I’m out trying to keep fit,” he added.
Adeniyi disclosed that similar projects were being encouraged across Commands, recalling that he had commissioned a football arena in Kebbi State barely 48 hours earlier.
He also invited officers from neighbouring Commands, including KLT, PTML, Tin Can and Apapa, to make use of the facility, stressing that it was built to serve both personnel and the wider community.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller P.N. Ntadi, commended the CGC for personally commissioning the project, describing his leadership as people-centred and impactful.
He said the presence of the Comptroller-General underscored the Service’s commitment to community development, youth empowerment and sustainable peace, adding that the project reflected the NCS philosophy that “Customs cares.”
According to Ntadi, the event was not just about unveiling a sports facility, but about purpose, people and preserving a legacy of service, discipline and commitment to the nation.
He explained that the arena, named the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), was dedicated to the memory of Wale Adeniyi, a former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, whom he described as a man of uncommon diligence, professionalism and dedication to duty.
“In his service to Customs and to Nigeria, he exemplified integrity, hard work and loyalty. Naming this facility after him is our way of ensuring that exemplary service is never forgotten and that positive role models continue to inspire the next generation,” Ntadi said.
He noted that the project was a practical expression of the Service’s belief that security is not only about enforcement, patrols and interceptions, but also about prevention through constructive engagement.
“By providing safe and positive spaces for recreation, mentorship and healthy competition, we are investing in peace, stability and the future of our communities. Sports teach discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience and respect for rules — the same values that guide us as officers of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he added.
Ntadi emphasized that the facility belongs to the community and called on community leaders, parents, youth groups and other stakeholders to take ownership of it and ensure proper use and maintenance.
He also commended the officers and men of the Command for their dedication and teamwork in delivering the project, describing the arena as proof that the Service can extend its impact beyond statutory duties into the heart of the community.
“As we commission this sports arena today, may it become a centre of unity, growth and positive transformation. May it nurture talents, inspire dreams and keep our youths away from negative influences,” he said.
