Customs promotes environmental awareness initiative to boost public health, end flooding

By Saheed Olatunji

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), has intensified calls for environmental sustainability, urging residents and personnel within barracks communities to embrace “green compliance” through responsible daily practices to boost public health and end flooding.

COWA stated that while flooding incidents are often treated with levity, they pose serious risks to lives, property, and public health, adding that lasting solutions require a collective shift in attitude.

Speaking during an environmental awareness programme in Lagos, the COWA Chairperson, Mrs. Omolabake Adigun, stressed that environmental challenges confronting the state, particularly flooding, are largely driven by human behaviour, including improper waste disposal and blocked drainage systems.

Adigun stated that while flooding incidents are often treated with levity, they pose serious risks to lives, property, and public health, adding that lasting solutions require a collective shift in attitude.

She said the initiative is designed to promote environmentally responsible habits beginning from homes and workplaces, especially within barracks under the Nigeria Customs Service.

“As officers and families associated with the Customs Service, discipline and responsibility are core values we must extend to how we treat our environment. A clean environment is a safe and healthy one,” she said.

She outlined practical steps to drive green compliance, including reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, proper waste disposal, and tree planting, noting that such measures can significantly curb environmental degradation if widely adopted.

According to her, environmental responsibility should not be left to government alone, as individuals and communities play a crucial role in safeguarding their surroundings.

“Small daily actions can make a big difference. We must also teach our children these values to ensure a sustainable future,” Adigun added.

She further emphasised the role of COWA members as change agents within their communities, noting that leading by example would encourage broader participation in environmental protection efforts.

Adigun also commended the leadership of COWA National President, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her continued support in advancing initiatives that promote sustainability and community development.

She called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to protect the environment, urging participants to leave the programme with renewed commitment to keeping their surroundings clean and contributing to a greener future.

The Acting Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has stressed the need for sustained environmental responsibility to safeguard the future for coming generations.

Speaking during the initiative, Adigun urged officers of the command to take the Green Border project seriously, noting that collective commitment is key to achieving a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

He also commended the Coordinator of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, for championing the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.

“We need to be conscious of our environment and ensure we leave behind a safe and healthy space for our children. Turning waste into wealth is essential for the future we are building. If we take the Green Border initiative seriously, we will achieve a better and more sustainable environment for all,” he said.

Also speaking, representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) applauded the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction.

They pledged their support for the programme and emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness across the port environment.

“Our environment is critical to our wellbeing. We must avoid indiscriminate waste disposal and ensure our surroundings are kept clean at all times. We will continue to sensitise others on the need for environmental cleanliness and support this initiative fully,” NAGAFF said.