Customs’ Wives Engage Members On Environmental Sustainability Efforts At Lagos Port

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has organised an environmental awareness campaign to sensitise members, officers, and stakeholders on the importance of environmental sustainability.

Organised under the leadership of Chairperson of COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani, the workshop themed “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future,” aimed at promoting climate awareness through practical education on effective waste management and tree planting.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, said the initiative marks a milestone for the command.

He noted that environmental stewardship is no longer optional, saying the command is already aligning with federal government policies that encourage environmentally friendly automobiles by facilitating the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

“Today marks a milestone in our command as we gather once again under the auspices of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) PTML Chapter to raise environmental awareness. This is a subject that concerns everyone because it’s about the earth and environment we all live in and share its benefits.”

He continued, “As a command, the essence of this subject is not lost on us. We are involved in the processing of RoRo cargoes that are environmentally sustainable and compliant with the latest government policies. The command has continued to facilitate the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles and electric vehicles in tandem with the federal government’s policy of encouraging environmentally friendly automobiles.

“With what our COWA will be doing today, we are taking steps further to support tree planting, growing flowers around our work and habitable spaces while also promoting practices that encourage the recycling of single-use plastics, ” he said.

Warning that a polluted environment is dangerous to everyone, the Controller stressed that the time to discourage unwholesome waste disposal is now. “Environmental awareness means opening our eyes to the interconnectedness of all life. Every plastic bottle we discard carelessly, every unnecessary flight, and every watt of energy wasted contributes to a larger environmental crisis. But every small choice we make in refusing single-use plastics, conserving water, and supporting renewable energy, contributes to a sustainable society, ” he said.

Comptroller Anani directed officers and men of the command including all bonded terminals to adopt improved environmental sustainability behaviour.

He reaffirmed the command’s support for COWA’s community development efforts just as he expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs and COWA National President, Kikelomo Adeniyi for leading the way for the trail-blazing initiative.

The Chairperson of COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani, in her remarks urged members to become active environmental ambassadors. She stressed the importance of simple, daily actions, such as reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives to make a difference.

“When you see someone drop nylon or paper on the floor, it is your duty to intervene,” Mrs Anani said. She further encouraged the community to embrace tree planting, even in urban spaces, using recycled items like tyres and buckets to foster greenery.

Mrs Anani expressed appreciation to the COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their visionary leadership in supporting community development and environmental health.

In her presentation, Deputy Controller of Valuation, Regina Anam, highlighted the critical nature of the green borders initiative. She warned that human activities and industrial emissions have distorted seasonal patterns, leading to unpredictable weather and global warming.

DC Anam revealed that COWA is working toward a national goal of planting 50,000 trees to combat desertification and erosion. “The action we take today will determine the future of humanity. We must move from burning fossil fuels toward renewable energy and ensure our waste does not end up in our drainage systems,” she cautioned.

The program concluded with the donation of trash bins to the PTML Command to facilitate improvements in waste segregation.