The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has joined Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries to officially flag off the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), reinforcing the Service’s commitment to initiatives that promote national development, international cooperation and sports tourism.
The flag-off November 3, 2026, at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, featured a ceremonial tee-off by designated dignitaries, including the Customs chief.
The First Lady, who is also the Grand Patron of AACT 2026, commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for successfully hosting the continental championship, describing golf as an important platform for promoting unity, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for younger generations.
“Golf brings us together; it transcends borders and cultures. It opens new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
Earlier, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Lami Ahmed, acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations whose support made the tournament possible, particularly recognising the Comptroller-General of Customs for his assistance in facilitating the championship.
Ahmed noted that hosting an international tournament of such magnitude required strong partnerships and collective commitment.
The participation of Adeniyi underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to institutional partnerships and inter-agency collaboration beyond its traditional statutory responsibilities.
The Service’s support for AACT 2026 also reflects its recognition of sports as a strategic instrument for projecting Nigeria’s international image, strengthening regional relationships and attracting tourism investments.
It would be recalled that in October 2026, the LGAN leadership, led by its President, Lami Ahmed, visited the Comptroller-General of Customs to seek the Service’s assistance in facilitating the clearance and movement of tournament-related equipment through Nigerian Customs channels.
During the meeting, Adeniyi assured the delegation of the Service’s readiness to provide the necessary support, while urging the organisers to ensure Nigeria’s outstanding representation by winning all available medals.
He further emphasised that hosting the championship provided Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, organisational capacity and tourism potential to the international community, while strengthening bonds among African countries through sporting engagements.
The 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy, which runs from November 2 to 7, has attracted female amateur golfers from more than 20 African countries.
The championship is expected to promote women’s participation in sports, deepen cross-border relationships and position Nigeria as an emerging destination for international sporting events and tourism.
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