Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi engages stakeholders for a mutually beneficial relationship at the commissioning of rehabilitated Ebubu Primary Healthcare Center in Eleme as Farouk Nadaniya assumes leadership of FOU Zone ‘C’
By Jude Nzennaya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned the rehabilitated Ebubu Primary Healthcare Centre in Eleme, Rivers State, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative known as ‘Customs Cares’, aimed at supporting communities and contributing to their social development.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the intervention reflects the Service’s responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing of communities beyond its statutory mandates of revenue collection, trade facilitation and border security.
The CGC recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service officially launched the CSR Programme in March 2025 and listed school renovations, scholarships, medical outreaches, healthcare facility rehabilitation, food distribution, agricultural initiatives, skills acquisition, solar-powered lighting, borehole projects and other community infrastructure as areas where Customs Cares has made interventions.
He described the Ebubu project as particularly significant because healthcare remains fundamental to human dignity, productivity and community development. He noted that the poor condition of the centre before the intervention had affected the delivery of quality primary healthcare services to residents and surrounding communities.
“What we have achieved here is therefore more than physical rehabilitation. We have invested in access, dignity and hope, he added.”
He further stressed that the rehabilitation of the facility would only achieve its purpose if the centre is properly managed and maintained, adding that its sustainability will require adequate staffing, regular maintenance and continued support from relevant government institutions and the community.
The CGC also appreciated the traditional rulers, community leaders, Rivers State Government, Rivers State Primary Health Care Board, Eleme Local Government Council, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders who contributed to the project’s success.
Speaking, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, said the Service’s impact should not be measured only by revenue figures or enforcement statistics, but also by the positive difference its presence makes in the communities where it operates.
Also speaking, the Comptroller in charge of the Corporate Social Responsibility Unit, Comptroller Patience Ibrahim, said the initiative reflects the Service’s belief that its responsibility to Nigerians extends beyond revenue collection to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves.
Dignitaries at the event said the rehabilitated centre would bring quality healthcare closer to residents, while urging the community and other stakeholders to take ownership of the facility and ensure its continued usefulness.
Meanwhile, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “C”, Owerri, has entered a new phase of leadership as Deputy Comptroller (DC) Farouk Nadaniya assumed duty in Acting capacity, as Balogun retires from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
This was contain in a release by the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) R. Nche
The handing over of the reins of affairs by Comptroller Bashir Abdullahi Balogun (Rtd) to the newly appointed Acting Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Farouk Nadaniya.
The ceremony took place at the Unit’s headquarters on Friday, 25th September 2026, in Owerri, Imo State. The new Acting Comptroller was received by officers and men of the Unit, followed by an introduction of the Unit heads at the event.
In his farewell addressI, retired Comptroller Bashir Abdullahi Balogun thanked the officers of the Unit for their unalloyed support throughout his tenure. He stated categorically that retirement awaits every officer of the Service and further advised officers to prepare for retirement as soon as they join the Service. He charged officers to be diligent in their various areas of duty, noting the numerous achievements made possible through teamwork. While urging the officers of the Unit to extend their unwavering support to the new Acting Comptroller.
In his remark Acting Comptroller Farouk Nadaniya thanked God for His infinite grace and guidance in assuming this important responsibility. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for finding him worthy of this responsibility to serve in this capacity.
The new Acting Comptroller reiterated that his assumption of office is not merely a change of leadership, but a renewed call to service, responsibility and accountability. He further highlighted the strategic importance of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘C’ and its critical role in advancing the mandate of the Service through effective anti-smuggling operations, revenue protection, facilitation of legitimate trade and national security, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
Acting Comptroller Nadaniya charged officers to remain firm, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities. He also commended the leadership of the Unit for its achievements so far, noting that they did not happen by chance but were the result of sacrifice, professionalism, teamwork, courage and commitment to duty by his predecessor, retired Comptroller B.A. Balogun, and officers who have contributed to the progress of the Unit.
He strongly called on patrol team leaders to remain disciplined, professional, vigilant and accountable. He sought their maximum cooperation and support in the implementation of the strategic vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, particularly in the areas of modernization, efficiency, compliance and improved customs procedures.
