Customs Rebuilds Dilapidated Health Centre in Rivers Community, Donates Ambulance, Medicines

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned a rebuilt and fully equipped Primary Health Care Centre in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare in communities where it operates.

The facility, which was previously abandoned and dilapidated, was rebuilt by the Service and equipped with modern medical facilities, medicines, lighting and an ambulance to enhance healthcare delivery and emergency response in the community.

Commissioning the facility, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said the intervention was part of the Service’s commitment to giving back to society and making a positive impact on the lives of citizens, particularly vulnerable members of host communities.

Adeniyi said the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service extended beyond revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, border security and trade facilitation, noting that the Service had incorporated social interventions through its “Customs Cares” initiative.

According to him, the initiative covers areas including education, scholarships, construction and rehabilitation of schools, healthcare, youth empowerment, skills acquisition programmes and the provision of palliatives.

The Customs CG said the rebuilt health centre would provide residents with access to essential healthcare services and help reduce the burden of seeking expensive medical treatment, particularly among less privileged members of the community.

He urged the people of Ebubu to take ownership of the facility by protecting, maintaining and sustaining it for the benefit of present and future generations.

Adeniyi also commended Comptroller A.M. Alkali and officers of Area 11 Customs Command, Onne, Port Harcourt, for their contribution towards providing the healthcare facility to the community.

The Customs CG was subsequently honoured by the Ebubu community with a chieftaincy title, “Emere Oweze Ita I of Ebubu,” in recognition of his contributions to improving the welfare of the people and his efforts in protecting society from the harmful effects of illicit and smuggled goods.

The presentation formed part of activities marking the commissioning of the healthcare facility and was witnessed by government agencies, freight forwarders, terminal operators, traditional rulers, representatives of the Eleme Local Government Council, the Rivers State Health Management Board and other dignitaries.

The Eleme Local Government Chairman, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor, was represented at the occasion by his vice-chairman.

The intervention underscores the Customs Service’s expanding community-oriented programmes, with the Service seeking to complement its core statutory responsibilities with projects designed to improve the welfare and living conditions of communities within its operational areas.