Nigeria Customs CG Unveils Sports Arena To Boost Youth Engagements At Western Marine Command

By Roland Ekama

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commissioned three projects on Wednesday at the Western Marine Command in Ibafon, Apapa, Lagos.

The highlight was the unveiling of the Wale Adeniyi Sports Arena (WASA), named after the former National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, a figure renowned for his diligence, professionalism, and grassroots approach.

WASA features a five-a-side football pitch, a standard basketball court, and a table tennis center.

Speaking at the event, Adeniyi urged officers to embrace sports for better health and mental well-being.

He emphasized that the facility extends to all commands under Zone A and commended the host community for supporting activities like soccer and basketball.

 

Adeniyi stressed prioritizing mental health and well-being, encouraging community youths to channel energy into sports rather than violence.

Adeniyi also commissioned a jetty at the Western Marine Command for boats and other watercrafts to berth .

He recalled a similar facility unveiled in Kebbi State to enhance officers’ physical fitness.

In his remarks, Western Marine Command Controller, Comptroller Patrick Ntadi, described WASA as a tool to engage youths constructively and keep them off the streets.

“Sports teach discipline, leadership, resilience, and respect for rules—values that guide NCS personnel,” Ntadi said. He added that true security involves prevention, not just enforcement, patrols, and interceptions, and that the NCS is investing in community peace, stability, and the future.

Ntadi honoured the Comptroller General’s presence: saying”Your leadership and commitment to people-centered policing inspire initiatives like this. Customs Cares.” He noted the arena’s role in countering crime, restiveness, drug abuse, and social vices by providing safe spaces for recreation, mentorship, and competition.

The event peaked with a soccer match between NCS and the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria.