The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of its personnel by providing free eye care services to officers and men of the Command as part of efforts to promote healthy vision and improve operational effectiveness.
The medical outreach, sponsored by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Oladapo Afeni, was held on Tuesday in partnership with VisionSpring under its See to Be Safe (S2S) project.
The exercise featured comprehensive eye examinations, including visual acuity tests and fundus screenings, while officers diagnosed with vision impairments received prescription eyeglasses at no cost.
Speaking during the programme, DC Afeni said the initiative underscores the Command’s resolve to maintain a healthy and productive workforce capable of effectively carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
He stressed that good eyesight is indispensable to Customs operations such as border surveillance, cargo inspection, enforcement activities and other critical assignments that require precision and alertness.
According to him, maintaining good eye health is fundamental to operational efficiency, noting that clear vision improves officers’ reaction time, vigilance and accuracy while carrying out border security duties.
“Good health remains the foundation of operational efficiency and officers’ well-being. Clear vision enhances reaction time, improves vigilance and accuracy during border patrols, and ultimately strengthens our effectiveness in protecting the nation’s borders. I encourage all officers to prioritise regular eye screening because protecting your vision is essential to both your professional performance and personal well-being,” Afeni said.
Also speaking, the Team Lead of the See to Be Safe (S2S) project, Dr. Obioma Uchandu, explained that the initiative is designed to provide preventive eye care for Customs personnel, particularly those serving in border communities where access to specialised healthcare may be limited.
She said the programme aims to reduce cases of preventable blindness through early detection, prompt treatment and increased awareness of the importance of routine eye examinations.
“Our objective is to reduce preventable blindness by encouraging early detection and treatment. Customs officers work under demanding conditions, and preserving their vision is essential to their effectiveness and long-term well-being,” she stated.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the Ogun I Area Command for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would improve their overall well-being, boost morale and enhance their capacity to discharge their duties effectively.
They also lauded the Command’s leadership for prioritising preventive healthcare as part of its broader commitment to officers’ welfare.