The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, Customs Care, extended its humanitarian outreach to Sagbokoji, a remote island community in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, with the commissioning of newly renovated public facilities and donations of essential supplies.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, led a high-powered delegation across the turbulent waters separating Apapa from Sagbokoji to officially commission the refurbished Local Authority Nursery and Primary School, as well as the Sagbokoji Primary Health Centre. The projects, executed under the Customs Care initiative, aim to improve educational and healthcare delivery in underserved communities within Customs’ operational zones.
Accompanying the Comptroller General were key officials including ACG Zone A, Kayode Orbih; Area Controllers of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, Babatunde Olomu and Frank Onyeka, respectively; and other senior officers. The visit underscored the Service’s commitment to grassroots development and engagement.
The mood was celebratory as children, teachers, healthcare workers, and residents turned out en masse to witness the handover of the upgraded facilities. Beyond the structural improvements, the Customs team also delivered textbooks, school bags, and writing materials for the pupils, alongside medical equipment and essential drugs for the health centre.
In his address, Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Valentine Oluseyi Buraimoh, lauded the Customs leadership for what he described as an unprecedented gesture by a uniformed agency within the locality.
“This is the first time we are witnessing such a thoughtful intervention from a paramilitary agency in our local government. I am proud and deeply appreciative of this support,” he said. Buraimoh presented a plaque and a letter of appreciation to Adeniyi in recognition of the Service’s contribution.
The traditional ruler of Sagbokoji, Alhaji Mohammed Adio Yusuf, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Customs boss for prioritizing education and healthcare. However, he also used the occasion to request more support for other island communities lacking basic amenities and urged the Service to consider employing local youths.
Responding during the commissioning ceremony, Adeniyi acknowledged the delay in arrival due to official engagements and expressed his delight at the impact of the intervention. He recalled that the school was originally established during the tenure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Lagos State governor, making it all the more meaningful that a federal agency is now contributing to its revitalization.
According to Adeniyi, the rehabilitation projects followed extensive consultations with the school’s management and community leaders. He emphasized that education and health are central pillars of the Customs Care agenda.
“What we’ve done here is just the beginning,” Adeniyi said. “We are aware that the community lacks a junior secondary school, and I want to assure you that Customs will look into providing one. We also understand the need for a bridge to connect this island to the mainland, and we will engage the state government on this critical infrastructure.”
He urged the community to maintain the facilities and assured the pupils that more support would come. “We are not just here for today. We are building a lasting partnership,” he concluded.
