Customs Chief Lauds Medical Corps as Key Drivers of National Health

Customs Chief Lauds Medical Corps as Key Drivers of National Health

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on 27 May 2025 in Oshogbo, Osun State, described the Medical Corps of the Service as a “critical pillar” in safeguarding both the health and operational readiness of Customs personnel across the country.

During the Service’s Medical Retreat Week, he was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of Human Resource Development, Greg Itotoh.

The event, attended by dignitaries including the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, and traditional rulers, marked a significant effort to strengthen healthcare delivery within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Highlighting key initiatives, CGC Adeniyi announced ongoing projects, including establishing a flagship Customs Hospital in Karu, Abuja, and developing a network of clinics across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He also spotlighted the Customs Cares outreach programme, which has delivered free medical services to over 120,000 Nigerians and facilitated 45 portable water projects in underserved communities.

“Our Medical Corps does more than treat illness; they build resilience, restore dignity, and strengthen the foundation of national security,” Adeniyi stated.

Looking ahead, he unveiled plans to address maternal mortality in border communities, expand mental health support services, and integrate AI-powered diagnostics along with electronic health record systems.

In his opening remarks, the Head of the Medical Unit, Comptroller Ethabeth Nnaji, welcomed participants and thanked the Comptroller-General for his unwavering support.

“This event is about stimulating the action required to revamp our healthcare system, ensuring that our clinics and hospitals are well-stocked, our personnel are medically fit, and our healthcare staff have the tools and pathways to thrive professionally,” he said.

Through his representative, Governor Adeleke commended the NCS for its commitment to public health and expressed Osun State’s willingness to collaborate with Customs on healthcare initiatives.

“Osun State is proud to be a champion in primary healthcare in the South-West. We welcome the establishment of any health facility by the NCS and assure you of our government’s full support,” he declared.

Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in a series of capacity-building sessions and paper presentations from various healthcare and allied agencies to enhance the competence and preparedness of Customs’ medical personnel.

The five-day retreat concluded with a large-scale free medical outreach in Modakeke Town, where hundreds of residents received essential healthcare services.

Earlier, ten Customs Comptrollers from various posts joined the medical team to pay homage to the Oba of Modakeke, Olubiyi Olutoriola. The monarch, who was represented by Chief Afolabi Julius, expressed appreciation for the initiative before the delegation proceeded to the outreach venue.

The retreat ended on a celebratory note with a colourful dinner night on Friday, 30 May 2025, which recognised the Corps’ achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to health service excellence.