Customs moves to revive inter-zonal games

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasized the necessity of enhancing sporting facilities within Customs organizations. At the recent closing ceremony of the Zone A Inter-Command Games in Ikeja, Adeniyi highlighted that the National Customs Service (NCS) boasts teams and athletes excelling in various sports like volleyball, basketball, football, beach volleyball, and athletics.

"Improved sporting infrastructure is essential to provide officers with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents," Adeniyi stated. The impending relocation of the Customs Training College to Ogun State will incorporate suitable sporting facilities, while temporary facilities will be established at the existing college to accommodate recruits.

Adeniyi praised Zone A leadership and the organizing committee for the high standard of the competition and the engaging activities that accompanied it. The games exemplified the three key principles of his administration: consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. He urged officers to carry the unity and camaraderie displayed during the competition into their daily duties, stressing that discipline, teamwork, and strategy are crucial both in sporting events and Customs operations.

Experts advocate for policy adjustments to address China's trade imbalance, while Customs officers were urged to embrace the values of discipline, teamwork, and strategy gleaned from the competition. The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General Mohammed Babandede, expressed gratitude for the approval to hold the games and commended the organizing committee for their efforts.

The football team from the Customs Police Unit emerged as the competition's champion, defeating the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command 1-0 in the final, with the decisive goal scored early in the first half. The Zone A Inter-Command Games, held from August 17 to September 5, 2026, at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, attracted 16 teams from various Customs commands and featured football, chess, badminton, and table tennis.