Association Launches Climate Action For Waste Management

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association has launched a coordinated national climate action framework aimed at strengthening waste management and environmental sustainability across Customs communities nationwide.

The initiative was unveiled at an Environmental Education Workshop held in Abuja under COWA’s flagship Green Borders Initiative. The workshop took place on February 19, 2026, at Ahmed Makarfi Hall, TRADOC, Gwagwalada.

The programme marked the formal commencement of a structured climate action plan to be implemented across state commands.

COWA said the framework aligns with national environmental priorities advanced by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Council on Climate Change.

The sensitisation workshop brought together senior government officials, COWA members, Customs barracks residents, environmental agencies, private sector operators, civil society organisations and youth representatives.

Participants examined pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, deforestation, waste pollution and community resilience.

Speaking at the event, COWA president, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, described environmental responsibility as an extension of national service.

She said sustainable communities are critical to national prosperity and institutional strength.

According to her, the Green Borders Initiative institutionalises structured environmental action within Customs communities nationwide.She added that the association remains open to strategic partnerships to expand its impact.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, commended COWA for aligning its theme, “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Sustainable Future,” with the Federal Government’s environmental restoration agenda.

The minister highlighted ongoing nationwide sensitisation campaigns and land restoration efforts under the ACReSAL project.

He also cited investments in recycling infrastructure and the issuance of a Sovereign Green Bond as evidence of structured environmental financing and growing public trust in sustainable initiatives.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, the council reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

It referenced the implementation of the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions, NDC 3.0, which targets net-zero emissions by 2060.

The council described the Green Borders Initiative as a practical, citizen-led model capable of promoting green economy principles and strengthening resilience in border communities.

The workshop focused on three core thematic areas. These included understanding climate change and its local impacts. It also addressed the role of trees in carbon absorption, flood prevention and air purification.

Participants were educated on the 3Rs of waste management — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Practical demonstrations on waste separation and responsible consumption were conducted during the session.

Beyond awareness, participants adopted concrete resolutions to ensure measurable impact.

These include the institutionalisation of Monthly Clean Barracks Days across Commands. They also resolved to launch structured state-level tree planting programmes and establish youth eco-clubs.

Other commitments include adopting a national tree planting protocol and instituting quarterly environmental impact reporting.

The Abuja engagement marks the beginning of a coordinated national rollout across State Commands.

COWA said structured tree planting initiatives, waste management campaigns, environmental education workshops and youth engagement platforms will now be implemented nationwide. The association pledged to contribute toward a national target of planting 50,000 trees. It reaffirmed its commitment to driving measurable, women-led environmental action.

COWA emphasised that clean and green communities strengthen institutions, improve public health and support sustainable national development.