The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has inaugurated a 60-bed capacity reference hospital in Bauchi, to improve health status and wellbeing of its personnel and host communities.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa Foundation.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said this at the inauguration of the facility on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the realisation of the modern medical facility reflected the power of institutional collaboration and responsible private sector partnership for sustainable national development.
Adeniyi said that enhancing access to quality healthcare would enable its personnel to effectively secure borders, facilitate trade, and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.
He said the facility was equipped with modern gadgets to meet professional healthcare standards to enhance quality healthcare service delivery.
The customs boss reaffirmed commitment to personnel welfare and community development.
Gov Bala Mohammed commended the gesture, describing it as a major step towards improving health indices in the state.
Represented by Aminu Hammayo, Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed said the state government had increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, recruited 3,000 health workers, expanded health insurance scheme, reinvigorated health training institutions and drug supply system.
Dr Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of the foundation, said the intervention aligned with its vision aimed at fostering sustainable development through partnerships in health, education and social services.
He said the foundation provided funding to projects across Nigeria and Africa.
“The hospital evolved from a small clinic concept into a regional reference facility through collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.”
