In a powerful demonstration of community investment, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative “Customs Cares,” has renovated the Christ Assembly Nursery and Primary School located in Araromi, Ajeromi-Ifelodun LGA of Lagos State.
Originally established in 1960, the school now boasts upgraded infrastructure and state-of-the-art learning facilities designed to provide pupils and their teachers with a safer, more engaging environment for academic growth.
The project—funded by the Tin Can Island Port Customs Command in collaboration with its headquarters in Abuja—underscores a strategic commitment to education. At the official commissioning, Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi reaffirmed that the Service aims to support 50,000 students by 2025, having already reached 12,000 nationwide, including 5,000 in Lagos.
More than 2,000 pupils received educational materials during the ceremony, alongside free medical checkups for both children and adults in the community.
CGC Adeniyi announced future CSR plans that span healthcare, sports, ICT, and the creative sector. He assured residents that Nigeria Customs would collaborate with sister agencies to develop the community, including upgrading sports facilities at the Maracana center.
According to the CGC communities hosting Customs Commands have been pillars of support and the NCS is committed to giving back and shaping lives.
The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka expressed his gratitude to the CGC for the opportunity to serve and be a part of the laudable initiative. He also appreciated stakeholders of the Command, for their support and partnership on the project.
Comptroller Onyeka particularly commended the Headmistress of the school and the teachers and students for their determination and role in making sure the project was a success.
Community leaders lauded the initiative as timely and motivating.- HRM Oba Moroof Oyekunle Oluwa, Olu Iwa of Apapa Kingdom, urged other government bodies—particularly NPA—to follow NCS’s example.
Hon. Kalejaiye Adeboye Paul, Federal House of Representative member for the constituency, called the project a milestone in community development.
– Tolani Ali-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, pledged that UBEC would maintain the facilities and stressed collective responsibility for sustainability.
The outgoing LGA Chairman, Fatai Ayoola, called it “the first of its kind” in the region, while the Educational Secretary, Barr. Remi-Williams Abiola, described it as “truly exceptional.”
Headmistress, Mrs. Esther Ogunfuyi expressed profound appreciation for the transformation, saying that this isn’t just paint or new walls—it’s pride, dignity, and renewed hope. “You’ve given us the gift of a future worth striving for,” she said elatedly.