PICTORIAL: CG Adeniyi Unveils Customs’ First Tombola Night To Boost Officers’ Morale

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, December 12, 2025, unveiled the Nigeria Customs Service’s maiden Tombola Night funfair as part of efforts to strengthen staff morale and promote work-life balance among officers.

The event, held at the Service’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was chaired by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, DCG Dera Nnadi, on behalf of CGC Adeniyi.

Speaking at the event, DCG Nnadi said the initiative reflected the CGC’s consistent emphasis on the welfare and well-being of Customs officers.

“The CGC has always stressed the importance of work-life balance for officers who are daily involved in revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security,” DCG Nnadi said.

He explained that the Tombola Night provides officers with an opportunity to step away from the rigours of operational duties.

“It is not only about revenue collection and border control. Customs officers also need space to unwind, improve their emotional state and maintain good health,” he added.

DCG Nnadi described the Tombola tradition as a regimental practice inherited from the military, noting that it promotes discipline, transparency and unity.

“It is an opportunity to mix, interact and distribute gifts in a disciplined and transparent environment, as we have witnessed today,” he said.

He described the maiden edition as a success and called for the event to be organised more frequently.

“We should not wait till the end of the year. It can be organised mid-year, and Commands with mess facilities across the zones should replicate this initiative,” DCG Nnadi said.

He also noted that the presence of representatives from the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and other ministries, departments, and agencies, added value to the event.

“This platform allows us to interact with colleagues from other agencies and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere,” he said.

Also speaking, the Comptroller in charge of Special Duties, Comptroller Haniel Hadisson, said the event underscored the CGC’s commitment to staff welfare.

“This initiative shows that the CGC genuinely cares about officers and men beyond revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations,” Comptroller Hadisson said.

He commended members of the planning committee for the successful organisation of the event and expressed optimism that future editions would receive the CGC’s approval.

A highlight of the night was the raffle draw, during which the star prize was won by a Customs officer, while about 60 per cent of the prizes went to invited guests, reflecting what officials described as the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship.

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