Daura Communities Commend Nigeria Customs Free Medical Outreach

…As Service Concludes 7th Medical Corps Retreat
By Abdulhadi Ibrahim
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has concluded its 7th Annual Medical Corps Retreat in Katsina State, with residents of Daura commending the Service for organising a free medical outreach to improve healthcare delivery in the community.
The outreach programme, organised to mark the end of the five-day retreat, provided free medical consultations, drugs, eye screening, blood pressure checks, laboratory tests and health counselling to no fewer than 2,000 beneficiaries in Daura and surrounding communities.
Speaking during the outreach exercise, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, Tijjani Abe, said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to promoting the well-being of officers, men and members of host communities.
According to him, healthcare remains an important component of operational effectiveness and national development.
“A healthy workforce remains the backbone of operational efficiency, productivity and institutional effectiveness,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of the Customs Medical Unit, Ethelbert Nnaji, explained that the outreach was organised to bring quality healthcare services closer to residents of Daura while strengthening the relationship between the NCS and border communities.
He noted that the programme also provided an opportunity for Customs medical personnel to engage directly with residents through healthcare support and sensitisation activities.
“We intend to continue exploring innovative healthcare solutions that will improve the well-being of officers and the communities where Customs operates,” Nnaji said.
During the outreach, the medical team also visited schools in Daura, where medical items were distributed to pupils, alongside health awareness and sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting healthy living among schoolchildren.
The team also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk Umar, where discussions centred on community healthcare support and the importance of strengthening the relationship between the NCS and traditional institutions.
Some residents who benefited from the outreach expressed appreciation to the NCS for the gesture, describing the programme as timely and impactful.
To conclude the retreat, participants also visited the Katsina State Museum, where they were taken on a tour of sections showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and historical artefacts.
The retreat later ended with a colourful dinner attended by senior officers, medical personnel and guests, featuring entertainment and goodwill messages.
Speaking during the dinner, the Customs Area Controller of Katsina Command, Comptroller Muhammed Musa, appreciated the leadership of the NCS and members of the Medical Corps for organising a successful retreat in the state.
He also wished participants a safe journey back to their respective destinations while commending the peaceful conduct and cooperation witnessed throughout the programme.




