Katsina Times
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced its 7th Annual Medical Corps Retreat in Katsina State, bringing together senior customs officials, healthcare professionals and stakeholders to discuss strategies aimed at improving healthcare delivery and staff welfare within the service.
The retreat, held at Fams Hotel in Katsina, focused on strengthening operational efficiency and the well-being of customs personnel through improved healthcare systems and medical support services.
Opening the event on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, senior customs officials described the retreat as an important platform for policy review, professional collaboration and strategic planning within the medical corps of the service.
Among dignitaries present were Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources and Development, A.T. Abe, Assistant Comptroller-General C.C. Deem of Excise, Industrial Incentives and Free Trade Zone, traditional rulers, retired customs officers, healthcare experts, senior security officials and representatives of medical institutions.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, the Commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, said the Katsina State Government remained committed to healthcare development as one of the key pillars of its broader development agenda.
He said the administration had renovated and upgraded more than 270 primary healthcare centres across the state’s 361 wards, while several general hospitals were currently undergoing rehabilitation and expansion.
According to the commissioner, the government was also investing in modern healthcare infrastructure, including a dialysis centre operating in partnership with international organisations and a diagnostic centre equipped with advanced medical technology.
He added that the state recently entered into partnership with Siemens to acquire advanced diagnostic and medical equipment aimed at improving healthcare services in the state.
“Healthcare investment is essential for sustainable development, and collaboration remains critical in building an effective healthcare system,” he said.
In a vote of thanks delivered during the ceremony, customs officials praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General for prioritising staff welfare and strengthening institutional healthcare support within the service.
Officials said the retreat’s theme, “Operational Well-Being: Protecting Health to Protect Borders,” reflects the growing recognition of the connection between workforce health, operational resilience and national security.
The Nigeria Customs Service said discussions during the retreat would focus on preventive healthcare, mental well-being, occupational safety and improved healthcare delivery for officers and personnel across the country.
