By Julius Peter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has disclosed that it has spent more than N70 billion on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across the country in less than two years.
The Comptroller-General of Customs said the expenditure formed part of the Service’s efforts to support host communities, improve critical infrastructure and contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigerians.
According to the Comptroller-General, the NCS had expanded its CSR interventions beyond its traditional revenue-collection and border-control responsibilities to include projects designed to address pressing needs in communities across the country.
He said the initiative was in line with the Service’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigerians, particularly communities located around its operational areas.
The Customs boss explained that the interventions covered different sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, water supply and other community-development projects.
He stressed that the Service considered community engagement an important component of its operations, noting that the cooperation of host communities was essential to effective customs administration, border security and trade facilitation.
The Comptroller-General said the investments were also aimed at demonstrating that the Customs Service was not solely concerned with revenue generation, but was equally committed to contributing to national development.
He added that the Service would continue to identify areas where its interventions could make meaningful impact, while ensuring that its CSR initiatives were properly targeted.
The NCS has in recent years intensified its engagement with stakeholders and communities as part of efforts to improve public confidence in its operations.
The Service, which is responsible for customs revenue collection, trade facilitation and enforcement of laws relating to imports and exports, has also continued to play a key role in combating smuggling and other forms of cross-border criminality.
The Comptroller-General said the scale of the CSR investments reflected the administration’s broader commitment to supporting communities and strengthening the social impact of government institutions.
He maintained that the NCS would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that its interventions addressed genuine needs and contributed to improving living conditions.
The disclosure of the N70 billion expenditure comes amid growing calls for public institutions to demonstrate greater social responsibility and accountability in the use of public resources.
While CSR projects are expected to complement government efforts in providing social amenities, stakeholders have also emphasised the need for transparency, proper documentation and effective monitoring to ensure that such investments deliver value to beneficiaries.
The Customs Service has, however, maintained that its community-oriented initiatives are part of its broader strategy of building stronger relationships with Nigerians and improving the operating environment for legitimate trade.
The Comptroller-General reiterated that the NCS would sustain its collaboration with communities and other stakeholders, stressing that effective customs administration requires the support and understanding of the people.
He said the Service remained committed to supporting projects capable of producing lasting benefits for Nigerians, particularly in communities directly affected by its operations.
