The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called on officers and stakeholders to embody the values of service, discipline, and charity not just during Ramadan, but beyond, emphasizing these principles as key to fostering a stronger, more compassionate community.
Adeniyi made the remarks at a grand Iftar hosted by the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The event, which brought together both senior and junior officers from NCS, along with stakeholders from various organizations, served as a platform for reflecting on the spiritual significance of Ramadan and the importance of giving back.
In his address, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the spiritual and social benefits of fasting, stressing how it fosters empathy for the less privileged. He noted that fasting provides an opportunity to develop deeper empathy by experiencing the struggles of those who face daily hardships.
“Charity teaches us to care for the less privileged,” Adeniyi remarked, “Beyond personal devotion, fasting allows us to experience what indigents go through daily.”
The Customs boss also spoke on the intersection of Ramadan and Lent, pointing out that this period of simultaneous fasting for Muslims and Christians underscores a shared experience of sacrifice. He noted that the alignment of both fasting periods serves as a reminder to care for one another and reflect on the struggles of those without basic needs.
“Ramadan running alongside Lent brings all of us together in experiencing the discipline of giving up food and drink. It helps us understand the challenges faced by those who lack basic necessities. It’s a time to think about our communities and our obligations,” he said.
Adeniyi linked these values to the NCS’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, “Customs Cares,” which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and social investments. He emphasized that the spirit of Ramadan and Lent aligns closely with the goals of the CSR program, encouraging officers and stakeholders to prioritize service to humanity.
“What we are doing today is just the beginning,” he said, reflecting on the launch of the CSR program. “I urge all of us to embrace service to humanity as a guiding principle, as it epitomizes who we are as an organization.”
The Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, also expressed gratitude for the gathering and extended his prayers for abundant blessings on all attendees.
The event highlighted the importance of selflessness and community service, underscoring the customs service’s role in giving back to society during this meaningful time of reflection and devotion.
