The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to personnel welfare and strengthened community partnership with the commissioning of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), a landmark Corporate Social Responsibility project of the Western Marine Command.
Inaugurating the facility on Wednesday ,11 February, 2026, at the command, Controller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the arena as a strategic investment in the physical and mental well-being of officers, as well as a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Service and its host community.
Addressing officers, community leaders, youths and other stakeholders at the ceremony, Adeniyi stressed that the arena was built to serve a practical purpose and should not be left idle.
“This facility has been built for us — and it is meant to be used,” the CGC declared. “It is not a structure to be admired from a distance, but a space to be fully embraced and maximally utilized.”
He urged officers not only from the Western Marine Command but also from KLT, Tincan, PTML, and Apapa Commands to take advantage of the modern sports facility, noting that operational effectiveness goes beyond professional competence.
“Our effectiveness as a Service depends not only on our professional competence but also on our physical strength and mental well-being,” he said, describing the sports arena as an investment in resilience, discipline, and productivity within the Service.
The CGC also acknowledged the presence of members of the host community, reflecting on the journey from past tensions to a more harmonious relationship built on dialogue and trust.
“There was a time when our relationship was challenged by misunderstandings and tensions. However, I am pleased to acknowledge that we have made significant progress,” Adeniyi stated, emphasizing that partnership and mutual respect had created the enabling environment for initiatives like WASA to flourish.
Addressing the public, Controller of Western Marine Command, Comptroller PN Ntadi, described the arena as more than a recreational facility, calling it a symbol of purpose, discipline, and proactive community engagement.
He explained that the sports complex was named in honour of Wale Adeniyi, former National Public Relations Officer of the Service, in recognition of his professionalism, dedication to duty, and commitment to grassroots engagement.
Highlighting the purpose of the project, Ntadi noted that sports remain a powerful tool for social inclusion and character development. He said the initiative was part of efforts by the Command to deepen collaboration with host communities.
“As a Command, we recognize that we cannot secure our environment alone. Community partnership is essential. This facility belongs to the community, and we trust it will be protected, properly utilized, and maintained,” he said
He noted that the WASA initiative reflects the Command’s broader belief that security extends beyond patrols and enforcement to include prevention through youth engagement and the provision of constructive alternatives to crime.
“Sports teach discipline, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and respect for rules — the same values that guide us as officers of the Nigeria Customs Service,” Ntadi said. “By creating this arena, we are opening doors of opportunity for young people to channel their energy productively and build hope for a better tomorrow.”
He called on community leaders, parents, and youth groups to take collective ownership of the facility to ensure its sustainability, proper maintenance, and maximum impact.
The commissioning ceremony, attended by senior Customs officers, representatives of sister security agencies, and members of the media, underscored the Service’s evolving focus on human capital development, youth empowerment, and sustainable peace.
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