COWA urges members, bonded terminals to adopt improved environmental sustainability behaviour

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter, has called on its members, as well as officers and men of the command, including all bonded terminals, to adopt improved environmental sustainability practices.

The call was made during an environmental awareness workshop organised under the leadership of the Chairperson of COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani.

The workshop, themed “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future,” aimed to promote climate awareness through practical education on effective waste management and tree planting.

Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani, described the initiative as a milestone for the command.

Noting that environmental stewardship is no longer optional, Anani said the command is already aligning with federal government policies encouraging environmentally friendly automobiles by facilitating the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

“Today marks a milestone in our command as we gather once again under the auspices of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) PTML Chapter to raise environmental awareness. This is a subject that concerns everyone because it is about the earth and environment we all live in and benefit from.

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“As a command, the importance of this subject is not lost on us. We are involved in the processing of RoRo cargoes that are environmentally sustainable and compliant with the latest government policies.

“The command has continued to facilitate the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered and electric vehicles in line with the federal government’s policy of encouraging environmentally friendly automobiles.

“With what COWA is doing today, we are taking further steps to support tree planting, grow flowers around our work and living spaces, and promote practices that encourage the recycling of single-use plastics,” he said.

Warning that a polluted environment poses a danger to everyone, the Controller stressed that the time to discourage improper waste disposal is now.

“Environmental awareness means recognising the interconnectedness of all life. Every plastic bottle carelessly discarded, every unnecessary flight, and every watt of wasted energy contributes to a larger environmental crisis.

“But every small choice we make, from refusing single-use plastics to conserving water and supporting renewable energy, contributes to a sustainable society,” he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s support for COWA’s community development efforts and expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs and COWA National President, Kikelomo Adeniyi, for leading the initiative.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of COWA PTML Chapter, Mrs Caroline Anani, urged members to become active environmental ambassadors. She stressed the importance of simple daily actions, such as reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

“When you see someone drop nylon or paper on the floor, it is your duty to intervene,” she said.

She also encouraged the community to embrace tree planting, even in urban spaces, using recycled items such as tyres and buckets to promote greenery.

Mrs Anani expressed appreciation to the COWA National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, and the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for their visionary leadership in supporting community development and environmental health.

In her presentation, the Deputy Controller of Valuation, Regina Anam, highlighted the importance of the green borders initiative. She warned that human activities and industrial emissions have disrupted seasonal patterns, resulting in unpredictable weather and global warming.

Anam disclosed that COWA is working towards a national goal of planting 50,000 trees to combat desertification and erosion.

“The actions we take today will determine the future of humanity. We must move away from burning fossil fuels towards renewable energy and ensure our waste does not end up in drainage systems,” she cautioned.

The programme concluded with the donation of trash bins to the PTML Command to support improved waste segregation.