By Adeyemi David
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu / Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi, a 60-bed healthcare facility donated by industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group and chairman of ASR Africa.
Delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, the hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for Customs officers, their families, and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Adeniyi described the project as a strategic welfare investment, noting that it underscores the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
“This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers,” he said.
“A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve.”
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Ubon Udoh, highlighted the sustainability focus of the intervention, stressing that the partnership demonstrates the impact of private-sector collaboration with public institutions.
“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,” Udoh stated.
Also speaking, the Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Aminu Hammayo, who represented Governor Bala Mohammed, described the facility 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,” he said.
The hospital’s commissioning marks the culmination of a transformation that began in 2008 with a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters in Bauchi.
It was later upgraded to a clinic and subsequently a medical centre before a 2023 partnership between the Customs Service and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the Comptroller-General approved the remodelling and expansion of the facility into a 60-bed secondary healthcare centre with selected tertiary services.
The hospital now houses 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.
Officials project the facility will manage up to 300 patients monthly in its first operational year, with long-term plans to introduce advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, as well as specialised surgical procedures.
The expansion is expected to position the hospital as a referral centre for the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Earlier in the day, Adeniyi paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, where discussions focused on community partnership and development.
The monarch commended the Service for investing in healthcare infrastructure within the state, noting that the hospital’s expansion strengthens both institutional service delivery and community wellbeing while reflecting responsible leadership.
