By Abbas Bamalli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the welfare of its personnel across the country.
The Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale, made the commitment on Wednesday in Katsina at the opening of the 2026 NCS Medical Corps Retreat.
Adewale, who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Resource Development, Tijjani Abe, said the retreat was organised to promote professional interaction and strategic planning among medical personnel of the service.
According to him, the retreat provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, policy review and discussions aimed at improving healthcare services within the customs service.
Adewale stressed that a healthy workforce remained critical to operational efficiency and institutional effectiveness in the service.
He also lauded medical personnel serving across various commands and formations for their professionalism, dedication and sacrifices in providing healthcare services to officers and men of the service.
The controller-general noted that the medical personnel had continued to play key roles in emergency response, public health interventions and routine medical care within the organisation.
He explained that the retreat came at a time when there was increasing global emphasis on preventive healthcare, mental well-being and effective healthcare systems.
According to him, the deliberations and recommendations from the 7th retreat would further improve medical services and healthcare outcomes in the NCS.
He urged participants to take advantage of the retreat to build stronger professional relationships and exchange valuable experiences that would strengthen the healthcare system of the service.
In his remarks, the Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu-Funtua, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery and staff welfare within the NCS.
Adamu-Funtua described the retreat as an important platform for professional interaction, exchange of ideas, policy review and strategic planning toward strengthening medical services within the NCS.
According to him, healthcare remains critical to the efficiency, productivity and institutional effectiveness of any organisation.
He noted that the NCS, with its responsibilities in revenue generation, trade facilitation and national security, required effective healthcare support to sustain its operations.
The commissioner expressed confidence that deliberations and recommendations from the retreat would contribute significantly toward improving healthcare outcomes within the Service.
He urged participants to actively engage in discussions and ensure that resolutions reached at the retreat translated into practical improvements for the benefit of the Service.
In his remarks, the NCS Controller in Katsina, Mohammed Sa’id, commended Governor Radda of Katsina commitment to the health sector.
“Your continuous support to security agencies remain highly commendable
“To the good people and government of Katsina, we remain grateful for the hospitality, cooperation, and peaceful atmosphere you have been providing to us. We do not take your support for granted.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)