⬆️L-R: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has joined the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and other dignitaries to officially flag off the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) 2026, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote national development, international cooperation and sports tourism.
*CGC Adewale Adeniyi.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida International Golf and Country Club, Abuja, featured a ceremonial tee-off by designated dignitaries, including the Comptroller-General of Customs.
The First Lady of Nigeria and Grand Patron of AACT 2026, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for successfully organising the championship, describing golf as a platform for fostering 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, LGAN President Lami Ahmed acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organisations whose support made the tournament possible, particularly recognising the Comptroller-General of Customs for his role in facilitating the championship’s successful start. “We bid for hosting this tournament two years ago. The load is too heavy for us to carry. We appreciate all the partnerships,” Ahmed stated.
The CGC’s participation in the flag-off ceremony underscores the NCS’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration and institutional partnerships beyond its traditional statutory responsibilities. The Service’s support for AACT 2026 also reflects its recognition of sports as an important instrument for promoting Nigeria’s international image, strengthening regional relationships and attracting tourism opportunities.
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 smooth clearance and movement of tournament-related equipment through Nigerian Customs channels. Adeniyi assured the delegation of the NCS’s readiness to provide the necessary support, urging the organisers to ensure Nigeria’s outstanding representation at the championship by winning all available medals.
He further emphasised that hosting the championship offered Nigeria 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 AACT 2026, which runs from 2 to 7 November 2026, has brought together female amateur golfers from more than 20 African countries. The championship is expected to advance women’s participation in sports, encourage cross-border engagement and position Nigeria as a destination for international sporting events and tourism.