…Commissions Health Facility
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Nigeria Customs Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt has reiterated its commitment to the health and welbeing of officers and men of the command.
Controller of the Command, Salamatu Atuluku stated this during the commissioning of the renovated Area 1 Staff Clinic, Quarter Guard and Sendforth of the Zonal Controller Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed at the command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
She noted that effective healthcare delivery is pivotal to efficient service delivery.
She explained that the continues upgrading of health facilities across the zone is central to the service’ human resource management.
”This commissioning ceremony alligns with Nigeria Customs Service policy of staff welfare, operational health and safety which recognises that the health and wellbeing of officers remains fundamental to effective service delivery.
”The provision/rehabilitation and continuous improvement of all health facilities across customs formations are central to service welfare and human resource management, ” she said.
She explained that upon her resumption at the command in September 2025, the facilty was in poor state and requiring urgent intervention to restore it to acceptable operational standard. Atuluku stated that the rehabilitation works were undertaken to improve the functionality of the facility.
”The renovated staff clinic is now better positioned to provide timely and efficient healthcare services to officers and men of the command, ” she added.
In furtherance of the services’ policy on agency-intercorporation and community engagement, the controller said the clinic will be made accessible to stakeholders, state security agencies and members of the Nigerian public.
Similarly, she said the guard remain central to security and effective command control, stressing that the renovation alligns with the establishment of the Nigeria Customs Service standard on security, infrastructure and facility maintenance which are pivotal to operational efficiency.
Atuluku acknowledged the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his purposeful leadership and commitment to staff welfare.
She thanked the Command’s management team for their policy guidance and support, adding that the completion of the project was made possible through the dedication and support of men of the Command.
The Area 1 Customs Controller charged operators to use the facility strictly in accordance with approved guidelines and maintenance so that they can continue to support the health operational effectiveness of the command.
Atuluku commended the outgoing Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammad for his years of service to the zone, his exemplary leadership and legacies across the zone.
”It is particularly interesting that the facilities are being commissioned by ACG Kamal Mohammed, Zonal Coordinator, Zone C whose policy has been on staff efficiency, capacity development and institutional strengthening, ” she added.
Commissioning the facilities, ACG Kamal Mohammed noted that for a long time the place had remained in a deplorable state and struggling to meet the welfare expectations of officers, their families and the surrounding community. He said the narrative has been erased because of the passion, resilience and dynamic leadership and support of the Customs Controller Area 1.
“Her vision, foresight and dedication helped solved this long standing challenge, ” he said.
”A healthy workforce is the backbone of any organization and provision of quality healthcare is tantamount to sustaining productivity, morale and exclenve in service . This renovation alligns with the Nigeria Customs Service corporate social responsibility mandate reflecting its commitment to the wellbeing and productivity of our oficers and stakeholders, ” he added.
Mohammed noted that the renovation of the facilities resonates with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi which he said anchors on collaboration, consolidation and innovation.
He explained other services being untaken by the command to include free blood and sugar test saying, “This outreach underscores our resolve to provide care beyond infrastructure and directly impact lives through preventive healthcare services” .
