The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by exploring collaboration with Ethiopia on climate action, tree planting and environmental protection.
The engagement took place when an Ethiopian delegation visited the NCS Headquarters in Abuja to discuss opportunities for cooperation in environmental conservation.
Receiving the delegation, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, said the responsibilities of modern Customs administrations had expanded beyond revenue collection and anti-smuggling to include environmental protection and the preservation of endangered species.
Adeniyi said the Service had continued to respond to these responsibilities through strategic partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
He also commended the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) for its practical interventions in environmental conservation.
“Environmental sustainability is no longer outside the responsibilities of Customs. As a Service, we must continue to support initiatives that protect our environment and contribute to a sustainable future,” he stated.
The President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, disclosed that the association had planted 14,822 trees within eight months across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and border areas.
She said COWA would commence its 35,000-tree initiative in September, with a target of planting 1,000 trees in each state.
According to her, the initiative, known as the Green Border Sustainability Initiative, was designed not only to increase tree cover but also to promote environmental awareness and education among communities.
“Our Green Border Sustainability Initiative is about more than planting trees; it is about creating awareness, educating our communities and building a culture of environmental responsibility,” she stated.
Representing the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Legesse Haile, the Embassy’s Minister-Counsellor for Political Affairs, Misgna Abrha, said Ethiopia was prepared to share its experience in environmental protection and climate action with Nigeria and other African countries.
Abrha highlighted Ethiopia’s Green Legacy initiative, noting that the country had planted 48 billion seedlings over eight years.
He said initiatives such as Plant Africa could further strengthen environmental networks among African youths and encourage greater participation in climate action.
The meeting also featured discussions on the Plant Africa initiative and broader collaboration between the Ethiopian Embassy and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The proposed collaboration includes tree-planting activities at the University of Abuja and other locations within the Federal Capital Territory, further underscoring the growing emphasis on regional cooperation in tackling environmental challenges.
