The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, commissioned the Abdul Samad Rabiu/Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Hospital in Bauchi — a modern 60-bed healthcare facility donated by the Chairman of ASR Africa and Founder/Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.
Delivered through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative, the upgraded hospital is set to significantly 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 personnel welfare, Adeniyi said the facility underscores the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity through improved staff wellbeing.
“This commissioning is a clear statement that the NCS prioritises the health and welfare of its officers”, the CGC stated. “A modern Service requires not only technology and operational reforms, but also strong social infrastructure that supports those who serve”.
Managing Director/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, highlighted the sustainability focus of the intervention, noting that the partnership reflects impact-driven philanthropy aligned with institutional reform.
“ASR Africa is committed to transformative interventions”, Udoh said. “Our collaboration with the NCS demonstrates what is possible when private sector commitment aligns with clear developmental goals”.
Representing Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, described the project as a major boost to the State’s healthcare ecosystem.
“This facility will complement existing public health institutions and improve access to specialised services”, Hammayo said. “It reflects the value of collaboration between government and responsible corporate organisations”.
The 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 in Bauchi. The facility was later upgraded to a clinic and subsequently a medical centre.
A 2023 partnership between the NCS and ASR Africa converted it into a 30-bed hospital, completed in April 2025. Following a comprehensive needs assessment, the CGC approved further 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.
Projected to manage up to 300 patients monthly in its first year of operation, the hospital has long-term plans for advanced diagnostics such as CT scans and MRI, in addition to specialised surgical procedures. The facility is expected to evolve into a referral centre serving the North-East and parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Earlier in the day, the CGC paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, where discussions focused on strengthening community partnerships and development.
Commending the initiative, the Emir said, “the expansion of this hospital strengthens both institutional service delivery and community wellbeing. It is an example of responsible leadership”.