The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renovated Methodist Primary School in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, and commissioned the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena at its Western Marine Command in Lagos.
The projects were unveiled on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, as part of what Customs describes as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive.
Why it matters
Public primary schools in many parts of Nigeria face overcrowding, aging facilities and limited access to basic infrastructure.
By upgrading classrooms and recreational spaces, Customs says it is contributing to education quality and healthy living, two areas closely linked to long-term social and economic development.
Commissioning the school project, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi said the intervention aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This is the kind of impact we want to make through our CSR. This is very gratifying not just to the Comptroller General of Customs, all members of management, but also to the members of the community that we are serving”, he said.
The renovation covered more than 15 classroom blocks.
New facilities include 15 solar-powered security lights, computer rooms, a school library, toilets for teachers and pupils, a clinic, a food vendor area, a multipurpose hall and a playground.
Education advocates say infrastructure improvements can increase school attendance and teacher morale, especially in semi-urban communities like Ikorodu.
Voices from the community
Former Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya (Rtd), and the current Controller, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi, described education as a driver of social progress.
They also urged the school to create a maintenance unit to preserve the facilities.
The school’s Headmistress, Felicia Oyatoye, said the upgrade would transform learning conditions.
She expressed gratitude to Customs and noted that the project would significantly improve both teaching and learning.
Traditional rulers of the Ibeshe Kingdom, government officials and community leaders attended the event.
A local parent who attended the ceremony told NigeriaUpdates that the renovation “gives our children a better chance,” adding that improved facilities could attract more pupils to the public school system.
Promoting healthy lifestyles
On the same day, the CGC also commissioned the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena at the Western Marine Command.
He described the facility as an investment in fitness and mental well-being.
“When we provide this kind of facility, we also have stakeholders and members of the community that we serve in mind. Because of the nature of our job, we really need to keep fit all the time. Our jobs are demanding, and we must maintain the right balance”, the CGC said.
He urged officers across commands to use the arena.
“It is built to be used and utilised. I encourage officers and men, even those serving in other commands, to embrace the use of the facilities so that we can all remain physically and mentally fit”, he added.
The Customs Area Controller of the Western Marine Command, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, stressed that the project’s sustainability depends on community partnership.
“As a command, we recognise that we cannot secure our environment alone. Community partnership is essential. This facility belongs to the community, and we trust that it will be protected, properly utilised and maintained”, Ntadi said.
