The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability with the expansion of its Green Barracks Campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting cleaner and more sustainable barracks communities.
The initiative was highlighted during a one-day environmental education workshop and tree-planting flag-off organised by COWA at the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the National President of COWA, Kikelomo Adeniyi, the Chairperson of COWA FOU ‘A’, Clara Aliyu, said the Green Borders Initiative aligns with national environmental priorities and positions the association as a key partner in advancing sustainability.
She noted that the programme goes beyond a one-off workshop, describing it as a movement designed to build environmentally responsible communities within Customs barracks nationwide.
“Today, we gather not just for a workshop, but for a movement conceived and driven under the leadership of our National President. Through our state commands, COWA is committed to initiatives such as a Monthly Clean Barracks Day, a defined tree-planting target, youth eco-club formation, a waste separation pilot scheme, and partnerships with local waste management agencies,” she said.
In his remarks, the Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Gambo Aliyu, stated that the workshop’s theme, “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future,” aligns closely with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him, as gatekeepers of Nigeria’s borders, the Service plays a vital role in enforcing environmental regulations, preventing the illegal trade in hazardous materials, and encouraging sustainable practices within its operations.
“I urge all participants to commit to these principles by integrating environmental stewardship into daily operations, fostering carbon-responsible behaviours, and championing green initiatives both within our barracks and at our borders,” he said.
Delivering a lecture at the event, environmental advocate Juliet Eya encouraged participants to align with global environmental sustainability efforts and remain mindful of the impact of their actions on the environment.
The workshop concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise, reinforcing COWA’s commitment to promoting a carbon-responsible future and sustainable living within Customs communities.
