The Abdul Samad- Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) has began the construction of a 30- bed capacity ultra-modern hospital for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Bauchi state under its security sector support grant.
Speaking during the inauguration of the construction in Bauchi on Monday, Dr Udon Udoh, ASR initiative for Africa’s Managing Director, said that the N500 million edifice would be equipped with the state-of-the-art medical facilities.
He explained that the partnership between the Nigerian Custom service and ASR Africa was an example of strategic partnership which would be for the benefit of Nigeria moving forward.
Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman, ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad- Rabiu, in fulfilling the pledge made to the security agencies across Nigeria.
According to him, ASR Africa has engaged all the beneficiaries of the security grant and is on track to ensure the implementation of all projects selected by the armed forces and security agencies in the country.
He appreciated the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service for partnering with ASR Africa on this project.
“It will be recalled that the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad- Rabiu on his visit to the immediate past President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari in December 2022, announced a grant of N10 billion to the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies.
“This grant which is part of the Security Sector Support is aimed at providing support for security agencies in the country and the armed forces to effectively and efficiently fulfill their mandate to the Nigerian people.
“Other beneficiaries include the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of Secret Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Correctional Service,” he said.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, while appreciating ASR for the gesture, expressed delight that NCS was a recipient of the project, which he said, would enhance the capacity and welfare of the personnel and those of the community they serve.
“We are happy that we have found a reputable partner that has chosen to work with us to deliver a world class 30 beds hospital here in Zone D, Bauchi.
“On behalf of all officers and men, we want to say a very big thank you to ASR initiative for finding us worthy to benefit from the benevolence of the initiative.
“This facility will not only cater for the interest of custom officers and their families, indeed, we are going to dedicate the service of this hospital to all members of the Yelwa community and Bauchi in general,” he said.
