By Stella Odueme
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has called for increased awareness, regular screening and early detection of breast cancer as it marked the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month at its Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The sensitisation programme, held on October 6, was organised under the theme, “Inspect, Detect, Protect,” and brought together Customs officers, medical professionals and stakeholders to promote preventive healthcare and strengthen the fight against breast cancer.
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, stressing that cancer should not be treated as a stigma or a death sentence.
Adebakin said sustained education and sensitisation remained essential to ensuring early detection and proper management of the disease.
“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, encouraged officers, especially women, to prioritise their health through regular self-examination and prompt medical attention.
She noted that many women tend to concentrate on caring for their families while neglecting their own wellbeing, urging them to make personal health a priority.
“Fellow officers, you must be alive before you get promoted. Check on yourself,” Adeniyi said.
She further reminded male officers that breast cancer can also 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 NCS for three years.
Abubakar emphasised the need for continued sensitisation and regular screening, noting that early detection remained one of the most important measures in tackling the disease.
A major highlight of the event was a N50 million pledge by the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, to support efforts against breast cancer.
Umar-Ajijola urged Customs personnel to demonstrate the same level of diligence they apply to their official responsibilities 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 session, while participants also benefited from free breast cancer screening.
The screening, which brought the event to a practical conclusion, underscored the NCS commitment to translating awareness into early detection and preventive action.