Customs Deepens CSR Footprint with Community Health Outreach in Bauchi
By Titus Omajali
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive with a renewed focus on community health engagement in Bauchi State, as part of efforts to improve access to affordable healthcare for host communities.
This formed the basis of a high-level visit by the Zonal Medical Officer, Zone ‘D’, and Chief Medical Director of the Abdul Samad Rabiu–Nigeria Customs Service Hospital, Bauchi, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Dr Sunusi Rimi Garba, to the palace of the District Head of Birshi Community.
The outreach, held on Tuesday, 4 April 2026, aims to strengthen public health awareness and foster closer collaboration between the Service and local communities.
Addressing community members during the visit, Dr Garba highlighted ongoing health interventions spearheaded by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noting that they reflect the Service’s commitment to social responsibility beyond its core mandate of revenue generation and border security.
According to him, “central to this initiative is the establishment of a 60-bed ultra-modern multi-speciality hospital in Bauchi, equipped with advanced medical facilities. The project, supported by the ASR Africa Initiative, is designed to bridge healthcare gaps and improve service delivery in the region”. He stated
Dr Garba further disclosed that the Customs management has approved significant subsidies to ensure affordability, including a ₦500 registration and consultation fee, as well as a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of laboratory services and medications.
“These interventions are deliberate efforts to ensure that quality healthcare is within reach for the average citizen, particularly in host communities,” he said.
He noted that the engagement also served as a platform for health education, with residents sensitised to preventive care, early diagnosis, and the importance of using available medical facilities.
Responding, the District Head of Birshi Community, Alhaji Muhammad Lawan, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful. He pledged the community’s support and assured that residents would take full advantage of the healthcare services provided.
