The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged sustained support from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the development of volleyball in Nigeria, following the selection of two Customs players for the national team.
Adeniyi made the commitment on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, while receiving members of the national volleyball team who returned from Egypt with medals after an impressive performance at the championship.
The Customs boss reaffirmed the Service’s long-standing commitment to sports development, noting that concerns over Nigeria’s declining dominance in volleyball prompted the NCS to identify, nurture and support emerging talents.
“We saw the need to strengthen volleyball by creating opportunities for young talents to develop and compete at higher levels. The progress we are seeing today shows that the investment is yielding results,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that the Service’s investment had helped its volleyball team advance to the National Division One, while two of its players subsequently secured places in the national team.
Adeniyi urged the players to bring the same determination that earned them continental success to their national assignment, stressing the need to commence early preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
He assured the team of the continued backing of the Nigeria Customs Service in its quest to achieve greater success at national and international competitions.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Senior Special Assistant to the President, Sunday Dare, commended Adeniyi for his commitment to sports development, describing investment in young athletes as critical to building a stronger future for Nigerian sports.
Team captain Esther Mbah described the team’s outing in Egypt as challenging but rewarding, saying the players remained focused despite the difficulties encountered during the championship.
Mbah called for increased international tours and exposure for Nigerian volleyball players, stressing that regular participation in competitions outside the country would expose athletes to higher standards and complement conventional training.
Similarly, one of the team’s coaches, Samuel Onikeku, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its support, particularly in addressing the welfare and medical needs of the players during the championship.
He said improved welfare, facilities and institutional support would further enhance the team’s preparations and performance in future competitions.
The development underscores the growing role of the Nigeria Customs Service in nurturing sporting talent and providing a pathway for young athletes to progress from domestic competitions to the national and international stage.
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