The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, has reiterated it’s commitment towards meeting the needs of vulnerable members of the society as part of it’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, made this known in Uyo during the flag off of the Customs Cares initiative-Mo ‘Feed Project in partnership with the Bella Amor Global Aid Foundation.
Dr Adeniyi stated that the initiative was part of the Custom’s corporate social responsibility in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Dr Adeniyi, represented by the Controller, NCS Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, Mrs M P Ibrahim, explained that the service CSR Unit working with partners are working to meet up the six pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, carefully designed to promote Sustainable community development in the areas of education, health, food security, creative economy, Sustainable Development and social investment.
The Custom Controller General emphasized that collaboration is key in improving food distribution through the food distribution and empowerment outreach programme especially in communities where access to food has been a challenge.
Dr Adeniyi noted that by collaborating, gaps in the system are identified and addressed by creating efficient logistics, reduce waste and ensure that items get to where they are needed most.
“When organizations, governments and individuals come together, they pool resources, share knowledge, and reach more people through food banks, NGOs, local farmers can work hand in hand to collect, process and distribute food items to who need it the most. This programme brings relief to families, inspire children, strengthens the bond between the NCS and the communities they serve” he said
The Controller General stated that the NCS is not only about revenue generation but also care for the public hence the Customs Cares initiative, a product of the CSR Unit.
In an address of welcome the NCS Controller Cross River Calabar Free Trade Zone and AKWA Ibom Area Command, Mr Momodu Dauda, explained that the first phase being flagged off in AKWA Ibom will cover Essien Udim, Mkpat Enin, Etinan, Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas.
Mr Dauda gave an assurance that the NCS through the Customs Cares Initiative will continue to activate the remaining pillars to ensure wholistic and Sustainable impact across communities, reaffirming NCS commitment to building stronger health care and more empowered communities.
“The mandate of the service goes beyond revenue generation, trade facilitation and border security. Recognizing that true national development must be inclusive, understanding that the strength of the nation lies in the well being of it’s people” Dauda noted.
On her part, the President of Bella Amor Global Aid Foundation, Mrs Mirabel Etuk, reaffirmed the foundation’s shared commitment to food security, dignity and Sustainable community impact through partnership with the Customs demonstrating that collaboration drives real social transformation.
In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, represented bythe Permanent Secretary, Mrs Eno Akpan, stated that the initiative represented a shining example of compassion translated into action, speaking to the heart of Humanitarian service, reaching the vulnerable, the under served and down trodden with essential relief materials.
She noted that the distribution of food items and educational materials to vulnerable families across the state was not an act of charity but an investment in dignity, hope and a future.
“When a household received food support, hunger is reduced, when a child receives educational materials, a future is secured”
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the oganisers for intervening to meet the needs of the vulnerable in the society.
High point of the event was the distribution of food items to widows, persons with disabilities as well as educational materials to some students.
