COWA PTML Chapter Launches "Green Barracks" Initiative to Combat Climate Change and Promote Waste Segregation at Lagos Port

Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) promotes tree planting and recycling at PTML Command to support Nigeria’s transition to green energy and sustainable ports.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 6:18 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from LEADERSHIP Media Group

A Grassroots Movement for Environmental Stewardship

The Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), specifically the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Chapter, has initiated a comprehensive environmental awareness campaign within the Nigeria Customs Service. Under the theme “Green Barracks, Green Borders: Advancing Environmental Stewardship for a Carbon-Responsible Future,” the association seeks to transform administrative and residential customs areas into models of sustainability. The workshop focused on educating officers and their families on the immediate necessity of climate action through localized efforts in waste management and reforestation.

Aligning Port Operations with Green Energy Policies

Customs Area Controller Joe Anani highlighted the strategic alignment between COWA’s advocacy and the operational goals of the PTML Command. According to the Controller, the command is actively facilitating the federal government’s transition away from fossil fuels by prioritizing the clearance of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric vehicles. As a primary hub for Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes, PTML is uniquely positioned to influence the adoption of environmentally friendly automobiles, ensuring that international trade supports Nigeria's carbon-reduction targets.

The 50,000 Tree National Goal

A significant highlight of the presentation by Deputy Controller Regina Anam was the disclosure of COWA’s national objective to plant 50,000 trees. This initiative is designed to combat the growing threats of desertification and erosion, which have been exacerbated by industrial emissions and unpredictable weather patterns. According to DC Anam, human activities have distorted seasonal cycles, making proactive reforestation a mandatory survival strategy rather than a secondary policy. The "Green Borders" concept encourages the use of recycled materials, such as old tires and buckets, to nurture these plants in urban port environments.