Operatives of the Nigerians Customs Service have pledged to donate four per cent of their annual wages to fund a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, announced on Thursday.

He said the management of the service concluded extensive consultation to commit four per cent of its annual wage bill to fund this initiative.

Based on its 2024 personnel cost of N225.99bn, the service is expected to commit a total sum of N9.0396bn for this initiative.

Speaking at the launch tagged “Customs Care,” the CG noted that the pledge underscores the service’s dedication to making a positive impact on society by channelling a significant portion of its resources toward community-focused projects and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the public.

Adeniyi said the social responsibility would be complemented by voluntary efforts already pledged by numerous officers who have enthusiastically indicated their willingness to support various aspects of the project.

He said, “Given the ambitious and multifaceted nature of the Customs Cares initiative, questions naturally arise regarding its funding sources.

“Following extensive consultations with the NCS management, I am pleased to disclose that the Service has committed to earmark approximately four per cent of our annual wage bill (equivalent to 50 per cent of each officer’s one-month salary) to fund this initiative.

“This dedicated financial commitment will be complemented by the voluntary efforts already pledged by numerous officers who have enthusiastically indicated their willingness to support various aspects of the project through personal contributions of time, expertise, and additional resources. This combined approach ensures sustainable funding for our CSR programmes.”

He explained that the “Customs Cares” initiative represents a comprehensive approach to CSR designed to foster inclusive growth and create sustainable impact across Nigerian communities where we operate.

“This programme is designed to be rolled out in phases within traditional CSR frameworks and will adopt a multidimensional strategy that addresses critical social, educational, and infrastructural gaps in underserved communities.

“Through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, government agencies, and international development organizations, “Customs Cares” aims to deliver measurable, long-term benefits that empower citizens and strengthen Civic sustainability.

“This initiative strategically aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes holistic national development through targeted interventions in critical sectors”.

Adeniyi said the programme is intended to support the eight priority areas outlined in the agenda while simultaneously advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Responding to the gesture, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised the customs initiative as an exceptionally rare and commendable effort, extending high praise to the management of the Service for their visionary leadership and forward-thinking approach.