Members of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) have stepped up their fight against environmental degradation by planting 100 trees and donating high-capacity dustbin containers to border communities as part of their “Green Border Initiative.”
The exercise, which took place on Friday, May 1, 2026, is part of a larger nationwide campaign launched this week by COWA to plant over 1,000 trees across various commands to combat desertification and promote climate resilience.
Restoring the “Green Shield”
Led by the national leadership, the initiative aims to create a sustainable “green shield” in areas most vulnerable to land degradation and harsh weather conditions:
- The 100-Tree Goal: The planting of 100 seedlings (including economic trees like coconut and mango) serves a dual purpose: providing shade and windbreaks while eventually offering a source of food and income for local residents.
- Combating Desertification: COWA emphasized that northern border posts are particularly at risk of encroaching desert sands, making consistent reforestation a matter of “national security and community survival.”
- Waste Management Support: In addition to the trees, the association donated several large-scale dustbin containers to help communities manage plastic waste, which often clogs local drainage systems and prevents natural vegetation growth.
The “Green Border” Vision
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been a vocal supporter of the wives’ association, noting that environmental stewardship at the borders helps improve the living conditions of officers and their families stationed in remote areas.
- Empowerment Through Nature: COWA Chairperson noted that the association is not just planting trees but “planting hope,” as women in these communities will be trained on how to nurture the seedlings into full-grown orchards.
- A Nationwide Drive: This 100-tree exercise follows recent similar activations at the Seme and Tincan Island Port commands, signaling a shift toward eco-conscious humanitarian work within the Nigeria Customs Service community.
