Customs Seeks Royal Blessings for Customs Cares Initiative in Gumel
Author: Bashir Mohammed.
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘B’, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Nsikan Umoh of the Nigeria Customs Service, has paid homage to His Royal Highness Ahmad Sani II at his palace in Gumel, Jigawa State, ahead of the commissioning of a Corporate Social Responsibility project in Maigatari Local Government Area.
The visit, which took place on Monday, 23 February 2026, preceded the formal unveiling of a renovated primary school executed under the Service’s Customs Cares initiative.
Speaking during the courtesy call, ACG Umoh explained that although the visit appeared informal, it was officially connected to the forthcoming commissioning ceremony at Muhammad Hasan Primary School, Maigatari. She noted that, having been invited to the event, it was only proper and respectful to first seek the Emir’s blessings and support before proceeding.
She informed the monarch that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had institutionalised Corporate Social Responsibility as a core policy direction of President Bola Tinubu, adding that the programme, which was formally launched in February 2025, is designed to positively impact communities where the Service maintains operational presence.
According to her, through collaboration with partner agencies and non-governmental organisations, the Service intends to strengthen relationships with host communities, improve public trust and contribute meaningfully to social development.
Describing the Maigatari intervention as the first CSR project in the North-West Zone, she said the school was deliberately selected because of the strategic importance of the border town in international trade activities.
She disclosed that the over 30-year-old school was previously in a state of disrepair, noting that the renovation covered rehabilitation of classroom blocks, replacement of damaged roofing sheets and ceilings, and repairs to nearly 90 per cent of pupils’ desks. The Service also provided new furniture for teachers and administrative staff, constructed 16 improved, ventilated latrines, and commenced installing a solar-powered borehole to ensure sustainable access to clean water.
Emphasising the importance of education, the Zonal Coordinator said, “When we invest in children, we invest in the future of this country. Giving them a conducive learning environment gives them hope and prepares them to become responsible citizens.”
In his response, the Emir commended the Service for remembering its host communities and described the intervention as timely and thoughtful, stating, “This gesture shows that the Service is not only concerned with revenue and border security but also with the well-being of our people.” He noted that education remains the bedrock of societal progress and said the renovation would significantly improve learning conditions for children in Maigatari.
The monarch assured the Zonal Coordinator of the traditional institution’s full support and pledged to direct relevant authorities to fully cooperate with the Service. He further urged parents and community leaders to take ownership of the renovated facilities, stressing that public projects achieve lasting value only when communities protect and maintain them.
