The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a new sports arena at the Western Marine Command in Lagos, calling on officers and men of the Service to prioritise physical and mental fitness in view of the demanding nature of their duties.
Speaking during the inauguration on Wednesday, Adeniyi said the responsibilities of Customs officers require constant alertness, strength and discipline, making regular exercise and mental well-being essential to effective service delivery.
He urged personnel across commands to take full advantage of the facility, noting that improved fitness would translate into greater productivity and operational efficiency.
According to the Customs boss, the provision of sporting facilities is not only for officers but also reflects the Service’s commitment to community engagement. He explained that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal well-being is critical in a profession that involves border security, anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation.
Adeniyi disclosed that similar projects are being replicated across the country, citing his recent visit to Kebbi State where a football arena was also commissioned for officers. He encouraged officers serving in other Lagos-based commands, including Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, PTML, Tin Can Island and Apapa, to make use of the Western Marine Command sports complex to strengthen their physical and mental resilience.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller P. N. Ntadi, commended the CGC for his leadership and support for initiatives that extend beyond enforcement duties to community development and youth engagement.
Ntadi described the project as a symbol of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader vision of people-centred policing and preventive security. He said the sports arena represents an investment in youth empowerment and social stability, providing a safe space for recreation, mentorship and positive engagement.
The facility was named in honour of Wale Adeniyi, a former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, in recognition of his professionalism, diligence and commitment during his years in office. Ntadi said the gesture serves as a reminder that integrity and dedicated service should be celebrated and preserved as guiding values for future officers.
Read also:
- Customs Ladies defeat COAS Spikers 3-0 to claim 2025 NVBF Super Cup title
- CGC Volleyball League: Nigerian Customs raises player welfare to N500,000
- Customs, Navy seal Volleyball alliance as Adeniyi targets international glory for Nigeria
He stressed that security goes beyond enforcement and must include preventive measures that address social challenges. By promoting sports and structured activities, the Service aims to instill discipline, teamwork, leadership and respect for rules among young people within host communities.
Ntadi called on community leaders, parents and youth groups to take ownership of the arena and ensure it is properly utilised and maintained. He added that strong partnerships between security agencies and local communities remain vital to sustaining peace and stability.
The commissioning of the sports arena underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s drive to strengthen officer welfare, enhance operational readiness and deepen community relations while reinforcing the importance of fitness in national security operations.
