The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has commissioned a 60-bed healthcare facility in Bauchi, constructed and donated by the Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
The hospital, commissioned on Tuesday and delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, is expected to significantly expand healthcare access for Customs officers, their families, and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Speaking during the commissioning, CGC Adeniyi described the project as a strategic welfare investment, noting that it reflects the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel well-being.
“This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers. A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the intervention’s sustainability focus.
“ASR Africa is committed to impact-driven philanthropy. Our partnership with the NCS demonstrates what can be achieved when private sector commitment aligns with institutional reform and clear developmental goals,” Dr Udoh said.
Similarly, the Secretary to Bauchi State Government, Aminu Hammayo, who delivered a message on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed, described the commissioning as a boost to the state’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services. It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate entities,” Hammayo remarked.
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a phased transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.
It was subsequently upgraded to a clinic, and later a medical centre, before a 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the CGC approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
Consequently, the hospital is now equipped with seven clinical departments — Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pharmacy and Medical Laboratory, alongside Administrative and Health Information Management units, as well as Dental, Radiology and Nutrition units.
It is projected to manage up to 300 patients per month during its first operational year. Long-term expansion plans include advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures, positioning the facility as a referral centre across the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
CGC Adeniyi earlier in the day paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, where discussions centred on community partnership and development.
The Emir commended the Service for investing in healthcare infrastructure within the state, saying: “The expansion of this hospital strengthens both institutional service delivery and community well-being. It is an example of responsible leadership.”
