COWA Intensifies Climate Advocacy with “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” Campaign in Abuja

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has intensified its climate advocacy efforts with a “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” campaign held in Abuja, as stakeholders called for collective environmental responsibility and sustainable ecological practices across the country.

The advocacy walk, led by the President of COWA, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, formed part of the association’s broader Green Borders sustainability initiative aimed at promoting environmental awareness, climate action, and grassroots participation in ecological preservation.

The event, which commenced from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, attracted members of the association, environmental advocates, community stakeholders, volunteers, and members of the public.

Speaking during the event, the representative of the Comptroller-General of Customs DCG Timi Bomodi, described the initiative as a commendable step towards environmental sustainability, noting that the campaign began with the planting of over 1,000 trees across border communities.

According to him, the initiative demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to ecological sustainability and public wellbeing.

“It started with the planting of over 1,000 trees, and this is an indication that it can be replicated across all Customs border formations. It begins with environmental sustainability and the possibility of achieving a self-sustaining ecology within our borders,” he said.

He added that trees should not only be viewed in isolation, but also in relation to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.

He praised COWA for championing the green initiative, stressing that environmental sustainability should extend beyond border communities to the entire nation.

“We want to replicate the greenery we enjoy around Abuja across the country because green is healthy. Trees help filter the air we breathe, and the more trees we have, the fresher and healthier the air becomes,” he stated.

On her part, Mrs Adeniyi said the Green Borders initiative was designed to sensitise Nigerians to the realities of climate change and environmental degradation.

She noted that climate change is a global challenge that directly affects communities in Nigeria, including residents of border areas and urban centres.

“Climate change is not just an issue for people abroad; it affects all of us. Whether in border communities or in the cities, pollution and poor air quality are realities we must address,” she said.

She explained that the association had already carried out environmental activities in border areas such as Seme, Idiroko, and Ufom, adding that the campaign would be extended nationwide.

“We are planting not only shade trees but also economic trees that will benefit future generations. The food we eat today was planted years ago by others, so we are simply championing the cause of climate action and sustainability,” she added.

Mrs Adeniyi further explained that the “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” campaign seeks to promote cleaner environments, encourage responsible environmental habits, and stimulate broader conversations around climate change, waste management, and ecological preservation.

According to her, the initiative reflects COWA’s commitment to advocacy-driven sustainability programmes capable of delivering measurable social impact.

“Our vision is to make environmental consciousness a way of life in our communities. Through the Green Borders initiative, we want to inspire local ownership, encourage partnerships, and build a nationwide movement driven not only by policy but by the people,” she said.

Also speaking, the first-ever United Nations Global Advocate, Mariam Bukar Hassan, commended COWA for taking the lead in promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

She said climate change should no longer be seen as a distant crisis, as its effects are already being felt in communities across the country through issues such as desert encroachment and environmental degradation.

“When we talk about climate change, we must understand that it affects our mothers and communities here in Nigeria. We need windbreakers to reduce desert encroachment, and initiatives like this are highly commendable,” she said.

Hassan called for increased collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international bodies, particularly the United Nations, to support and expand COWA’s environmental programmes.

“It is not a small feat to plant over 1,000 trees in one hour. What COWA has achieved is remarkable, and there is great opportunity for partnerships to scale up the impact,” she added.

The event featured a long walk from the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters to the Power House area and back, with the wives of Service Chiefs, Wives of the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps in attendance.

The campaign is expected to further strengthen collaboration among government institutions, environmental groups, and communities while encouraging Nigerians, particularly women and youths, to take active roles in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.