By Ibe Wada
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, on Tuesday, 7 April 2025, welcomed pupils from Corona School, Gbagada, Lagos, on an educational excursion to its headquarters. The excursion aimed to enhance public understanding of Customs’ responsibilities.
Accompanied by their teachers, the pupils toured the seaport, scanning department, and ICT units, gaining insight into Customs’ roles in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement.
Representing the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Acting Deputy Comptroller Revenue, and Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Miko Ibrahim, the Command emphasised its commitment to transparency and public engagement.
“This initiative is about partnership, friendship, and transparency,” he stated. “Customs is not only about enforcement; we facilitate trade, collect revenue, and ensure timely remittances to the federal government.”
He also highlighted efforts to streamline port operations through faster cargo clearance. “Time is money. The more time we save, the more importers save. That leads to higher profits and more revenue for the country.”
AC Ibrahim encouraged similar visits from other schools. “We are open to welcoming any educational institution interested in learning about the Nigeria Customs Service. Our doors are open, and our officers are always ready to engage.”
Chikeremma Aboloko, a class teacher at Corona School, said the visit served as a practical extension of classroom lessons on government agencies.
“For the past few weeks, we’ve studied government agencies in Social Studies. Coming here brought those lessons to life. The children now understand that Customs officers do far more than sit in offices or wear uniforms. They’ve seen scanning systems, ICT roles, and maritime operations,” she explained.
She added that the visit had sparked a newfound interest in public service among the pupils. “Some of them whispered to me that they now want to become Customs officers. That tells me they’ve seen something meaningful that has reshaped their perception of government service.”
One of the pupils, Chidima Aroh from Class Four, couldn’t hide her excitement. “I’m very happy to be here. I learned that the Nigeria Customs Service does a lot for our country, especially in trade facilitation,” she said enthusiastically.
