COWA calls for stronger partnerships to advance climate action in Nigeria

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) has intensified its campaign for environmental sustainability, calling for collective action against climate change through tree planting and broader climate advocacy across Nigeria.

Speaking at the COWA event themed “Walk for a Greener Nigeria” in Abuja, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, who was represented by Timing Bomodi, Deputy Comptroller-General, described the initiative as a commendable step toward promoting environmental sustainability and ecological preservation.

Bomodi in a statement on Saturday said the campaign, which began with the planting of more than 1,000 trees, reflects COWA’s commitment to fostering a greener environment and improving public health.

He noted that the initiative should not remain limited to border communities but be replicated across Customs formations and the entire country.

According to him, creating sustainable ecological systems within Customs border communities would have far-reaching benefits for environmental health and national well-being.

“This is a remarkable green initiative by COWA and deserves commendation. Though it started at the borders, it should not end there. We want to see it replicated across the nation because a greener environment promotes healthier living,” he said.

Bomodi stressed the importance of tree planting in improving air quality, noting that increased green vegetation contributes to cleaner air and a healthier society.

“The more trees and green leaves we have around us, the fresher the air we breathe,” he added.

Also speaking, Kikelomo Adeniyi, President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association, said the “Green Border Initiative” was designed to raise awareness about climate change and its impact on communities across the country.

She said climate change is no longer a distant concern but a reality affecting both urban and rural communities, including those in border areas.

According to her, COWA had already implemented the initiative in border communities such as Idiroko, Seme and Ufom, with plans to extend it to additional locations nationwide.

“Climate change affects everyone, whether in border communities or urban centres. Pollution and poor air quality are issues that concern all of us,” she said.

Adeniyi explained that beyond planting trees for environmental purposes, COWA is focusing on economic trees capable of benefiting future generations.

“The food we consume today exists because someone planted trees years ago. We are planting not only for today but for generations yet unborn,” she said.

She added that the association would continue expanding its advocacy beyond border communities into states across Nigeria as part of efforts to deepen climate awareness and environmental action.

Mariam Bukar Hassan, The first-ever United Nations Global Advocate, also commended the initiative, describing climate change as a challenge with direct consequences on communities and livelihoods.

She stressed the need for people to stop viewing climate change as a distant crisis and instead recognise its local effects, including desert encroachment and environmental degradation.

“When we talk about climate change, we must understand that it directly affects our people and communities. COWA taking the lead in supporting a greener Nigeria is highly commendable,” she said.

Hassan further called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, non-governmental organisations and international bodies, including the United Nations, to support and scale up COWA’s efforts.

She described the planting of over 1,000 trees within a short period as a significant achievement and a model worthy of broader support.

“I believe there are enormous opportunities for partnerships to help COWA expand what it is doing. Planting over 1,000 trees within such a short time is no small feat and is truly remarkable,” she added.