The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has officially commenced the construction of a 30-bed hospital for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) in Bauchi State.
This was disclosed during a ceremony held on Monday in the state to begin the construction of the state-of-the-art medical facility, which has been valued at about 500 million Naira.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller General (CG) of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, expressed his deep appreciation to the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the generous grant awarded to the agency.
He said this is an unprecedented donation and the first of its kind from any organization to the NCS.
CG Adeniyi emphasized that continuing this project was a priority upon his assumption of office, highlighting his commitment to the welfare of the agency’s personnel.
He assured that the NCS would ensure the hospital is adequately staffed with medical personnel for optimal operation once completed.
Similarly, the Managing Director and CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh reiterated the dedication of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, led by Abdul Samad Rabiu, to fulfil their pledges to Nigeria’s security agencies.
According to him, the hospital project is part of a broader 10 billion Naira Security Sector Support grant announced by Abdul Samad Rabiu during his visit to the former President of Nigeria in December 2022.
He said this grant aims to support the Nigerian armed forces and security agencies in effectively fulfilling their mandates to the Nigerian populace.
He added that it is part of ASR Africa’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure within the country.
He confirmed that ASR Africa is actively engaging with all beneficiaries of the security grant and is on track with the implementation of all selected projects.
Dr. Udoh also thanked the leadership of the NCS for their partnership in this initiative.
The managing stated that in addition to the Nigerian Customs Service, other beneficiaries of the grant include the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of Secret Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
ASR Africa, established in 2021, is the initiative of African industrialist and philanthropist Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group.
The initiative focuses on providing sustainable, impact-based solutions to developmental challenges in health, education, and social development across Africa.