The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) is taking a bold step toward environmental preservation with the launch of a new national climate action framework. This structured program, which is set to be rolled out across various State Commands, marks a significant shift in how the association engages with the pressing ecological challenges facing the country today.
The initiative is designed to work in tandem with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Council on Climate Change. To kick things off, the association hosted a major environmental education workshop in Abuja under its flagship “Green Borders Initiative.” The gathering served as a platform to deepen climate awareness and promote sustainable development within Customs communities and beyond.
The event, held at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall in Gwagwalada, brought together a diverse group of participants, including senior government officials, residents of Customs barracks, environmental agencies, and youth representatives. The discussions were centered on critical issues such as the rising threat of deforestation, waste pollution, and the urgent need for community resilience in the face of a changing climate.
Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, the President of COWA, spoke passionately at the event about the intersection of environmental responsibility and national service. She noted that building sustainable communities is not just an ecological goal but a necessity for national prosperity. Through the Green Borders Initiative, COWA aims to institutionalize environmental action within its ranks, and Mrs. Adeniyi extended an invitation for strategic partnerships to help scale these efforts across the nation.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, delivered the keynote address, praising the association for its theme: “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Sustainable Future.” He highlighted that such grassroots efforts perfectly complement the government’s broader restoration agenda, which includes land restoration projects, investments in recycling, and specialized environmental financing through Sovereign Green Bonds.
Adding to the high-level support, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodummi, Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, reminded attendees of Nigeria’s global commitments under the Paris Agreement. She pointed out that the country is working toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 and described COWA’s initiative as a practical, citizen-led model that can truly strengthen the resilience of border communities.
The workshop itself was highly practical, focusing on three essential pillars. Participants learned about the local impacts of climate change, the vital role of trees in preventing floods and purifying the air, and the “3Rs” of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. With live demonstrations on waste separation and responsible consumption, the event provided members with the tools needed to turn environmental theory into daily practice.
