The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has organised a free eye care programme for its officers and men as part of efforts to improve personnel welfare and operational efficiency. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Chado Zakari, said the initiative was sponsored by the Acting Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, in collaboration with VisionSpring.
The outreach provided officers with visual acuity screening, fundus examinations and free prescription glasses for those diagnosed with vision challenges. Zakari said the programme was designed to promote early detection of eye problems and ensure personnel remained medically fit for duty.
Afeni said good eyesight was essential for border surveillance, enforcement and other operational duties, noting that officers often work under demanding conditions that could strain their vision. He urged personnel to undergo regular eye examinations, stressing that clear vision improves vigilance, reaction time and accuracy during patrols and security operations.
Dr Obioma Uchandu, Team Lead of the Safe-to-be-Safe Preventive Eye Care Project, said the initiative aimed to reduce preventable blindness among Customs personnel, particularly those serving at border formations. Beneficiaries welcomed the programme, describing it as a morale booster that would improve their health, wellbeing and operational readiness.
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