Customs Commissions Rehabilitated Primary Healthcare Centre in Rivers
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned the rehabilitated Ebubu Primary Healthcare Centre in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Customs Cares.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, commissioned the facility on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, describing the intervention as part of the Service’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of communities where it operates.
Adeniyi said the NCS’s responsibility extended beyond its statutory mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security, stressing the importance of contributing to the social development of host communities.
The Comptroller-General recalled that the Customs Cares programme was officially launched in March 2025 and had since supported various interventions, including school renovations, scholarships, medical outreaches, healthcare facility rehabilitation, food distribution, agricultural initiatives, skills acquisition, solar-powered lighting, boreholes and other community infrastructure projects.
He described the Ebubu healthcare project as particularly significant because access to quality healthcare remains fundamental to human dignity, productivity and community development.
According to him, the condition of the facility before its rehabilitation had affected the delivery of quality primary healthcare services to residents of Ebubu and surrounding communities.
“What we have achieved here is therefore more than physical rehabilitation. We have invested in access, dignity and hope,” Adeniyi said.
He, however, stressed that the sustainability of the project would depend on proper management and maintenance, including adequate staffing, regular upkeep and continued support from relevant government institutions and the community.
The NCS boss expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, the Rivers State Government, Rivers State Primary Health Care Board, Eleme Local Government Council, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the project.
Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, said the impact of the Service should not be measured solely by revenue generated or enforcement statistics.
He said the positive difference made in communities where Customs operates was also an important measure of the Service’s impact.
Similarly, the Comptroller in charge of the Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, said Customs Cares reflected the NCS’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Nigerians.
She noted that the Service’s responsibility to the public went beyond revenue collection to supporting the development and wellbeing of communities.
Dignitaries at the commissioning commended the initiative, saying the rehabilitated facility would bring quality primary healthcare closer to residents.
They also urged the community and other stakeholders to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it is properly maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.
