In a decisive move to strengthen the Service’s healthcare system and enhance staff welfare, the Nigeria Customs Service Medical Unit has commenced its 7th Annual Medical Corps Retreat in Katsina State.
The five-day retreat, which kicked off on Monday and themed “Operational Wellbeing: Protecting Health to Protect Borders,” was aimed at strengthening the capacity of medical personnel through professional engagement, policy review, strategic planning, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and experts across the country.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resource Development, Tijjani Abe, welcomed participants to the retreat and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and staff welfare.
CGC Adeniyi stated that the retreat remains an important platform for professional interaction, exchange of ideas, policy review, and strategic planning aimed at enhancing medical services within the Service.
“A healthy workforce remains the backbone of operational efficiency, productivity, and institutional effectiveness,” he said.
Adewale Adeniyi reiterated the Service’s commitment to supporting initiatives that would enhance the welfare, capacity, and working conditions of medical personnel within the NCS.
He also appreciated the Kano State Government and the residents for hosting the event and encouraged participants to build stronger professional relationships and exchange valuable experiences that would strengthen healthcare delivery within the Service.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Customs Medical Unit, Comptroller of Customs Ethelbert Nnaji, appreciated the support of the Customs management, particularly the CGC and the DCG in charge of Human Resources Development, in improving the Service’s healthcare system.
Nnaji explained that the annual retreat provides an opportunity to review the performance of the Customs Medical Corps and develop recommendations that would guide management in improving healthcare services within the Service.
“The NCS Medical Retreat provides the opportunity for the review of the performance of the Customs Service Medical Corps and to develop recommendations that will guide management toward improving healthcare services within the Service,” he said.
Nnaji disclosed that the choice of Katsina State as the venue for the retreat was informed by the extensive Customs operations in the state and the need to foster stronger relationships with host communities for effective service delivery.
He further revealed that the Service would conduct a free medical outreach in Daura as part of activities lined up for the retreat under its social corporate responsibility initiative.
“We intend to explore options, orthodox practices, and technological innovations that will bring quality healthcare closer to our officers wherever they operate,” he added.
Declaring the retreat open, the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, commended the NCS for prioritising the health and welfare of its personnel.
Governor Radda commended the Customs boss for promoting people-centred policies that continue to strengthen institutional care and operational effectiveness within the Service.
“A healthy workforce is essential to effective service delivery and the attainment of organisational goals and objectives,” he stated.
He equally appreciated the cordial relationship between the NCS and Katsina residents, while acknowledging the contributions of resource persons and facilitators from Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and other institutions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Zonal Coordinator Zone “B”, Nsikan Umoh, expressed appreciation to the Katsina State Government, the leadership of the NCS, participants, and stakeholders for their support in making the retreat a reality.
Similarly, health experts from across the country delivered paper presentations to equip participants with modern ideas and professional knowledge to enhance service delivery within the Customs Medical Corps.
Customs Area Controllers from various commands under Zone “B”, senior officers of the Service, medical professionals, and other stakeholders attended the opening ceremony.
