Customs Raises Breast Cancer Awareness, Secures N50m Pledge in Abuja

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its campaign against breast cancer, urging officers and stakeholders to prioritise early detection, regular screening and timely medical attention.

The Service made the call on Tuesday, during a breast cancer awareness and sensitisation programme held at its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The programme, organised to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was themed “Inspect, Detect, Protect” and brought together Customs officers, medical professionals and other stakeholders to promote awareness and prevention of the disease.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, said cancer should not be viewed as a stigma or a death sentence.

Adebakin urged officers to take their health seriously, stressing that continuous education and sensitisation remained critical to early detection and effective management of breast cancer.

“Cancer isn't a stigma. It is a time to give attention to those affected and give them hope again. Together, we can build a healthier society, a healthier Service, and healthier communities,” she said.

Also speaking, the President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, who was the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, urged officers, particularly women, to make their health a priority by conducting regular self-examinations and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.

She observed that many women often prioritise the welfare of their families while neglecting their own health, warning that such a practice could have serious consequences.

“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” Adeniyi said.

She also reminded male officers that breast cancer could affect men, urging them to support women in their families and communities in promoting awareness and early detection.

The Project Manager of the BOYA Project, Fauziya Abubakar, said the initiative had sustained breast cancer awareness within the Customs Service for three years.

She stressed the need for continuous sensitisation and regular screening, noting that early detection remained one of the most important factors in tackling the disease.

A major highlight of the event was a ₦50 million pledge by the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, in support of efforts to combat breast cancer.

Umar-Ajijola urged participants to demonstrate the same diligence they apply to their official duties in taking care of their health.

“When you are not sure, always ask and always check. No one has to fight this alone,” she said.

The programme featured a health talk, medical session, survivor testimony and question-and-answer segment.

It ended with free breast cancer screening for Customs officers and other participants, providing an opportunity for the awareness campaign to translate into practical health action.