By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu/Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi — a 60-bed healthcare facility constructed and donated by Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder of BUA Group.
Delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, the hospital is set to expand access to quality healthcare for Customs officers, their families, and host communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states.
Describing the project as a strategic investment in staff welfare, Adeniyi said the facility underscores the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved personnel wellbeing.
“This commissioning clearly demonstrates 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.”
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, stressed the sustainability focus of the intervention. He noted that the partnership reflects what can be achieved when private sector support aligns with institutional reforms and defined development goals.
Representing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the project as a major boost to the state’s healthcare system. He said the facility would complement existing public health institutions and enhance access to specialised services.
The commissioning marks the culmination of a transformation that began in 2008 with the establishment of a basic health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters in Bauchi. The facility was later upgraded to a clinic and subsequently a medical centre. In 2023, a partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025.
Following a needs assessment, the Comptroller-General approved its remodelling and expansion into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
The hospital now houses seven clinical departments — Nursing Services, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, 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 monthly in its first year of operation. Long-term plans include the installation of advanced diagnostic equipment such as CT and MRI scanners, as well as specialised surgical services, positioning the hospital as a referral centre for the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Earlier in the day, the Comptroller-General paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, where discussions focused on strengthening community partnership and development.
The Emir commended the Service for investing in healthcare infrastructure in the state, noting that the expansion of the hospital reinforces both institutional service delivery and community wellbeing.
