The Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Foundation, has inaugurated a 60-bed reference hospital in Bauchi, aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of customs personnel and host communities.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday, with the Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi highlighting the importance of institutional collaboration and responsible private sector partnerships in driving sustainable national development.
Modern Healthcare Facility
The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical gadgets and infrastructure to ensure professional healthcare service delivery. Comptroller Adeniyi noted that the facility would:
- Enhance access to quality healthcare for customs personnel and the local community
- Support personnel in securing borders and facilitating trade
- Protect Nigeria’s broader economic interests through a healthier workforce
He also reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to personnel welfare and community development.
Government and Foundation Support
The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, represented by Aminu Hammayo, Secretary to the State Government, commended the project, describing it as a major step toward improving health indices in the state. The government has simultaneously:
- Increased budgetary allocation to the health sector
- Recruited 3,000 health workers
- Expanded the health insurance scheme
- Strengthened health training institutions and the drug supply system
Dr. Ubon Udoh, Managing Director of the ASR Africa Foundation, explained that the hospital evolved from a small clinic concept into a regional reference facility through collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. He highlighted the foundation’s broader mission to foster sustainable development across Nigeria and Africa through partnerships in health, education, and social services.
Key Highlights
- 60-bed reference hospital inaugurated in Bauchi
- Joint project by NCS and ASR Africa Foundation
- Modern facility equipped for professional healthcare delivery
- Improves health and wellbeing of customs personnel and host communities
- Supports national border security and trade facilitation efforts
- Aligns with ASR Foundation’s vision for sustainable development
The project demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in enhancing healthcare infrastructure, fostering community development, and supporting national security and economic objectives.
