Today, President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the newly constructed Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Corporate Headquarters in Abuja. This momentous event follows the President’s recent inauguration of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, established by Aliko Dangote, the President of the Dangote Group, in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State on Monday.

The state-of-the-art Corporate Headquarters, described as a “smart” facility, has been built at a cost of N19.6 billion, as disclosed by Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, during a news conference held in Abuja on Monday. Adeniyi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Commissioning, revealed that the building boasts a 12-floor tower, with five floors on each wing, interconnected by striking bridges.

The construction of this edifice commenced in 2007, driven by the necessity to create a befitting structure for the Nigeria Customs Service. Adeniyi further emphasized that the expansion of the service and the demand for more space also contributed to the building’s conception.

After undergoing redesigning and remodeling, the building is now ready for commissioning. Situated on a sprawling land area of approximately 25,000 square meters, the headquarters was designed and constructed by local firms. Its height soars to approximately 40 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings within the prestigious Business District of Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi highlighted that the building is equipped with modern and up-to-date mechanical and electrical services installations, ensuring optimal functionality. He proudly stated that this architectural masterpiece is not only aesthetically appealing but also cost-efficient.

During the construction process, various challenges were encountered, including adjustments and variations in the building’s model. However, these obstacles were successfully overcome, resulting in the realization of the Customs House, as the Corporate Headquarters is commonly referred to.

The Customs House is strategically located in Maitama, a prominent area in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Conceived in 2002, the project aims to provide a comfortable and conducive working environment for the dedicated staff and authorized visitors.