The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and stakeholders to embrace the core values of service, discipline, and charity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond.
Speaking at a grand Iftar organised by Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, CGC Adeniyi underscored the significance of Ramadan as a time for self-reflection, empathy, and communal responsibility.
The event, attended by hundreds of senior and junior officers, as well as stakeholders from various organisations, provided a moment of unity and contemplation on the importance of giving back to society.
In his address, Adeniyi highlighted the virtues of piety, self-discipline, and devotion, noting that fasting fosters a deeper sense of empathy for the less privileged.
“Charity teaches us to care for the less fortunate. Beyond personal devotion and the discipline we cultivate during this period, fasting allows us to experience, even if briefly, the struggles of those who cannot afford a meal,” he stated.
The Customs chief also drew attention to the unique spiritual alignment between Ramadan and Lent, observing that the simultaneous observance of both fasting periods by Muslims and Christians offers a shared experience of sacrifice and reflection.
“For the second or third time in a row, we are witnessing Ramadan running alongside Lent. This means that, at the same time, people of different faiths are undergoing the discipline of fasting, helping us appreciate the struggles of those who lack basic necessities. This is a time to reflect on our communities and our responsibilities towards them,” he remarked.
Adeniyi linked this principle of selflessness to the Nigeria Customs Service’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and social investments.
“What we are doing today is just the beginning of what we have committed to—our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. In the true spirit of Ramadan and Lent, I encourage everyone to embrace service to humanity as a guiding principle, as it defines who we are as an organisation,” he added.
Reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s dual mandate of national duty and social responsibility, Adeniyi reminded officers that their role extends beyond revenue collection and border security, urging them to contribute to the well-being of the communities they serve.
“We are called the Nigeria Customs Service—and service is at the heart of our mission. Our duty is not just about enforcing trade regulations; it is also about making a positive impact on society. Let us uphold this spirit not only during Ramadan and Lent but as a fundamental part of our work every day,” he said.
The CGC also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, and his team for organising the event, commending the serene atmosphere created for the Iftar.
Concluding his remarks, Adeniyi prayed for divine blessings, peace, and prosperity for Nigeria, wishing officers and stakeholders the opportunity to witness many more Ramadan seasons in good health.
“May Almighty Allah grant us the grace to see many more Ramadan seasons in our lifetime. We pray for a better Nigeria and that our collective acts of service will foster a more compassionate and united nation,” he said.
In his remarks, TMP Chairman Saleh Ahmadu expressed appreciation to all attendees for honouring the invitation and prayed that God would reward them abundantly.
