The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a modern four-block classroom complex at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.
Delivered under the service’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the newly completed facility comprises four fully air-conditioned classrooms, a standard library, an ICT centre and a borehole.
It represents one of the most significant recent educational interventions within a custodial facility in Lagos.
Addressing dignitaries, security chiefs and stakeholders at the commissioning ceremony, Adeniyi described the project as a paradigm shift in how national institutions should approach security and correctional reform.
“This project represents more than infrastructure. It represents belief — belief in second chances, belief in rehabilitation, and belief in the power of education to transform lives,” he stated.
The CGC stressed that while the Service is constitutionally mandated to facilitate trade, generate revenue and secure Nigeria’s borders, its broader responsibility extends to strengthening institutions that rebuild lives.
“True security goes beyond enforcement. It requires investment in people. It demands that we strengthen institutions that reform, rebuild and reintegrate individuals into society,” he said.
According to Adeniyi, education remains one of the most effective tools of correction, noting that inmates equipped with knowledge and skills are less likely to reoffend and more likely to contribute meaningfully to society upon release.
“Today, we are not simply unveiling a building. We are investing in hope. We are investing in the future. We are reinforcing the idea that correction must be anchored on dignity, learning and opportunity,” he added before formally commissioning the complex.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, Comptroller Daramola George, described the intervention as historic and transformative. He emphasized that structured education within custodial centres is central to successful reintegration.
“Correction goes beyond custody. It must include education, rehabilitation and reintegration,” he said, commending the Nigeria Customs Service for what he described as visionary and compassionate leadership.
George also acknowledged the contributions of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Joy Edeldouk, noting that the project was initiated during her tenure as Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command. He described the initiative as a model of effective inter-agency collaboration for national development.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Chapter, Mr Ahmed Bello praised the project as a lasting legacy of responsible leadership.
“This is leadership that looks beyond the mandate to touch lives. It is a gesture that will resonate far beyond these walls,” Bello said.
Security officials, industry leaders and representatives of sister agencies present at the event described the project as a practical step toward deepening correctional reform and expanding access to formal education and digital literacy within Nigeria’s custodial system.
