NIGER/KOGI Customs Promotes Officers’ Welfare with Diabetes Awareness, Fire Safety Initiative 

The Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller S Nwankwegu has intensified efforts to safeguard the health, well-being, and safety of officers and men through a diabetes awareness talk and fire safety lecture.

Held on Monday, 26 October 2026, at the Command’s conference room in Minna, the programme reflects the Acting Customs Area Controller’s commitment to building a healthier, safer and more effective workforce through preventive health education, safety consciousness and continuous learning.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Abubakar Abdulkareem Zakariya, the diabetes awareness session was facilitated by the Medical Officer of the Command Clinic, Assistant Comptroller of Customs L. Alfred, while the fire safety lecture was delivered by Assistant Comptroller of Fire H. Zakariya.

During the diabetes awareness talk, officers were educated on the nature of diabetes, its risk factors, warning signs, possible complications and preventive measures.

Emphasis was placed on regular medical check-ups, healthy dietary choices, consistent physical activity, weight management, and early medical intervention.

“The session highlighted the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health, as early detection and proper management can help reduce the risk of serious complications.

The second lecture focused on fire safety, with concentration on identifying potential fire hazards, preventing fire outbreaks, responding appropriately to emergencies and protecting lives and property.

“Officers were sensitised on electrical safety, the proper handling of combustible materials, the safe use of firefighting equipment and the prompt reporting of fire risks. “The lecture reinforced the need for vigilance and strict adherence to safety procedures within offices, residential quarters and other Command facilities”.

The initiative, according to the statement, underscores the proactive leadership of Deputy Comptroller S Nwankwegu MIS, who recognises personnel welfare as an essential component of operational effectiveness.

“By prioritising health education and workplace safety, the Acting Customs Area Controller continues to promote a culture of prevention, preparedness, discipline and shared responsibility across the Command,” the statement partly reads.

Officers were encouraged to translate the knowledge acquired into practical action by adopting healthier lifestyles, seeking timely medical attention, observing fire safety precautions, and remaining alert to potential hazards. The Command emphasised that protecting personnel and safeguarding government property are collective responsibilities that contribute directly to effective service delivery.

The Niger/Kogi Area Command appreciates the resource persons for their professional contributions and reiterates its commitment, under the leadership of the Acting Customs Area Controller to sustaining initiatives that promote personnel welfare, strengthen institutional capacity, and maintain a safe and productive working environment.