NCS Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Receives ₦50m Pledge
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has marked the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a sensitisation programme held at its headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The programme, held on October 6, was organised to promote awareness, early detection and prevention of breast cancer among Customs officers and other stakeholders.
The event, themed “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” brought together Customs officers, medical professionals and partners to strengthen efforts against 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, urged officers to take their health seriously and remain vigilant about possible signs of cancer.
Adebakin stressed that cancer should not be viewed as a stigma or the end of life, noting that proper education, sensitisation and early detection could significantly improve outcomes.
“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.
The President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, who was the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, also encouraged officers, particularly women, to prioritise their health through regular self-examination and prompt medical attention.
She observed that women often prioritise the wellbeing of their families while neglecting their own health, stressing that early detection remains critical in the fight against breast cancer.
“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” Adeniyi said.
She also reminded male officers that breast cancer can affect men, urging them to support women in their families and communities.
The Project Manager of the BOYA Project, Fauziya Abubakar, said the initiative had sustained breast cancer awareness within the Nigeria Customs Service for three years.
Abubakar emphasised the importance of continuous sensitisation and regular screening, noting that early detection remains a key factor in tackling the disease.
A major highlight of the programme was a ₦50 million pledge by the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, towards supporting the fight against breast cancer.
Umar-Ajijola urged participants to demonstrate the same diligence they apply in Customs operations in taking care of their personal 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 culminated in free breast cancer screening for Customs officers and other participants, providing practical medical support alongside the awareness campaign.
