The commissioning of Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena under Western Marine Command of Nigerian Customs Service today, Feb.11, 2026
…Customs Cares Designed to Promote Synergy with Host Communities—Ntadi
The Comptroller of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Wale Adeniyi, MFR, has given fresh insight on why the Service is going around the nation building strategic sports complex in Commands with host community partnership.
Speaking at the commissioning of the latest Customs sports arena, Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), built by the Customs Western Marine Command, sited under the Coconut Bridge, he revealed that “Just about 48 hours ago, we commissioned the Kebbi State Customs Command sports centre”.
“We are building sports arena close to our Commands so as to encourage our officers and staff to take advantage of the complex to regularly keep fit after the weekly official duties. The arena, which is a brainchild of our flagship project; Customs Cares is designed to encourage regular fit keeping by our staff and even the host communities as part of building bond with host communities in every of our commands.
While cutting the arena’s tape, CGC Adeniyi charged the Western marine Command to guard it and make good use of it for the purpose for which it was built, adding that “Even our neighbouring commands including Apapa, Tincan, PTML and even the KLT can join in using the arena.
Earlier in his welcome address, the CAC of the Command, Paul N Ntadi said the aim of the Sports Arena is a dedication in honour of the Comptroller General of customs, Adewale Adeniyi who was also National Public relations officer for his uncommon diligence, professionalism and dedication to duty.
According to him, he revealed that already, local teams have been profiled and registered to engage in catch-them-young competitions for children between the ages of 11 and 15 with the of grooming them for national representation in international contests while pulling them away from crimes and drugs.
Ntadi noted that “WASA is a practical expression of our belief that security is not only about enforcement, Patrols and interceptions. It is also about prevention. It is about giving our youths’ alternatives to crime, restiveness, drug abuse and other social vices. When we provide safe and positive spaces for recreation, Mentorship and healthy competition we are investing in peace, stability and the future of our communities”- He said
The CAC added that the presence of the CG for the commissioning underscores the importance the Nigeria customs service places on community Development, youth empowerment and sustainable peace.
“WASA is aimed at taking the youths off the streets and into constructive engagement. It is built to become a centre of unity, Growth and positive transformation to nurture, inspire dreams and keep youths away from negative influences “- the CAC said
Business Hilights reports that shortly after the commissioning, the CGC took on other Customs senor officers in a trilling Table Tennis contest even as ceremonial basketball and 5-Aside Football matches were played to the amazement of the general public and customs officers.
