The Nigeria Customs Service has inaugurated and handed over a renovated primary healthcare facility to the Ebubu community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The facility, which had fallen into disrepair, was rehabilitated and equipped by the Port Harcourt Area II Command under the Customs Care Initiative. This initiative aims to contribute to the development and wellbeing of communities where the service operates. The project demonstrates the service's commitment to supporting community development.
Speaking at the inauguration, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, emphasized that the project is part of the Customs Care Initiative, launched in Abuja on March 28, 2025. The initiative supports projects in areas including healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Adeniyi stated that the service recognizes the importance of contributing positively to the communities around it. He urged the Ebubu community to protect the facility and called on the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board to ensure its effective management.
According to Adeniyi, the Customs Care Initiative provides a platform for the service to respond to community needs and complement government development efforts. The initiative has supported projects capable of creating sustainable social impact. He also urged residents to report vandalism or theft of components of the facility to security agencies. The Comptroller-General emphasized that infrastructure alone cannot deliver healthcare and that the sustainability of the facility depends on effective management and adequate staffing.
The Comptroller, Port Harcourt Area II Command, Aliyu Alkali, said the intervention aimed to restore a critical community health asset. The facility serves residents of Ebubu, Ejama, Ogale, and other surrounding communities. Alkali stated that the facility provides broader access to antenatal and maternal healthcare for expectant mothers and timely medical attention for children. He appealed to relevant authorities to ensure the facility remains functional, adequately staffed, and properly maintained.
The renovated facility was strategically located to serve the community's healthcare needs. The traditional ruler of Eleme, King Phillip Obele, represented by the traditional ruler of Ebubu, Emere Godwin Chinwi, expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for the renovation. The Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Chituru Adele, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Tonye Lawson-Jack, thanked the NCS and assured them that the facility would be put to effective use.
The Nigeria Customs Service's core mandates include collecting revenue for national development, facilitating legitimate trade, and protecting borders from threats to national security and economic well-being. The service recognizes that an effective and responsible institution must understand its environment and contribute positively to the communities around it. The Customs Care Initiative is a platform for the service to respond to community needs and support projects capable of creating sustainable social impact.
The handing over of the renovated facility demonstrates the Nigeria Customs Service's commitment to contributing to community development. The service's efforts to support healthcare, education, and economic empowerment align with its core mandates. The Ebubu community will benefit from the renovated facility, which will provide essential healthcare services to residents. The facility's sustainability depends on effective management, adequate staffing, and regular maintenance.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service has launched the Customs Care Initiative to support community development projects.
- The renovated primary healthcare facility in Ebubu community will provide essential healthcare services to residents.
- The facility's sustainability depends on effective management, adequate staffing, and regular maintenance.
