The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, demonstrated an exceptional commitment to work-life balance and the overall well-being of the Nigeria Customs Service by leading officers on a 6.6-kilometer ‘Walk Life Balance’ at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on January 6, 2024.
This fitness initiative, a recurrent practice for the CGC, signifies Adeniyi’s dedication to maintaining physical and mental health amidst the demands of the rigorous customs profession.
In an exclusive interview, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the significance of these exercises for himself and his officers, recognizing the challenges they face in their demanding roles, particularly in bustling urban centers.
“Every weekend that I am in Abuja, we try to achieve a balance between the rigorous demands of our work and the need to stay fit for good health,” shared CGC Adeniyi.
Highlighting the necessity of regular physical activities for customs officers, he acknowledged daily challenges like traffic congestion and family issues.
“We have to keep ourselves in a high level of physical fitness. We have to motivate ourselves,” he added.
Linking the distance covered during the walk to the ambitious revenue targets set for 2024, CGC Adeniyi expressed confidence in the Service’s ability to achieve its financial goals.
“If you compare the distance of 6.6 kilometers that we covered this morning with the revenue figure we want to generate in 2024, it means we have achieved our revenue targets for 2024.”
Moreover, in a proactive step to enhance officers’ welfare, the CGC affirmed his commitment to an expansive infrastructure initiative close to Namadi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This ambitious project encompasses residential buildings, offices, schools, worship centers, an officers’ mess, and a shopping mall, designed to accommodate over 2500 officers working in Abuja.
“Our officers dedicate themselves tirelessly to their duties, and it is our responsibility to reciprocate their dedication by ensuring they have befitting housing and social amenities,” stated CGC Adeniyi.
He highlighted the multifaceted project’s alignment with his agenda to modernize and improve working conditions within the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasizing the inclusion of educational facilities and recreational spaces as a holistic approach to supporting customs officers and their families.
As this project progresses, CGC Adeniyi envisions elevated living standards for those at the forefront of Customs operations, reflecting a positive step towards enhancing their quality of life.
