Customs, ASR Africa Commission 60-Bed Hospital to Strengthen Healthcare Access in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Abdul Samad Rabiu/Nigeria Customs Service Hospital in Bauchi a modern 60-bed healthcare facility built and donated by industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu through the ASR Africa,
the social impact arm of the BUA Group.The hospital is expected to significantly expand access to quality healthcare for Customs personnel, their families, and surrounding communities across Zone ‘D’ and neighbouring states, reinforcing public-private collaboration in social infrastructure development.
Describing the project as a strategic investment in personnel welfare, Adeniyi said the facility demonstrates the Service’s resolve to strengthen institutional capacity by prioritising the wellbeing of its workforce.
He noted that a modern Customs administration must combine operational efficiency and technological reform with strong support systems that protect the health and productivity of officers.
In his remarks, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, emphasised the sustainability and long-term impact of the intervention, stressing that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to responsible, impact-driven philanthropy.
According to him, the partnership illustrates how private sector resources can complement public institutions to deliver measurable development outcomes.
Delivering a message on behalf of 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 hospitals, expand access to specialised medical services, and deepen collaboration between government and socially responsible corporate organisations.
The commissioning marks the culmination of a gradual transformation that began in 2008 with a modest health post at the Zone ‘D’ Headquarters.
The structure 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, approval was granted for remodelling and expansion into a 60-bed secondary healthcare facility with selected tertiary services.
The hospital now houses seven core 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 services.
It is projected to handle up to 300 patients monthly in its first year, with future plans for advanced diagnostic equipment such as CT and MRI scanners and expanded specialised surgical care, positioning it as a referral centre for parts of the North-East and North-Central regions.
Earlier, Adeniyi paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu, who commended the investment in healthcare infrastructure and described the hospital’s expansion as a model of responsible leadership that strengthens both institutional service delivery and community wellbeing.
