By Bon Peters
The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone C in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mr Kamal Mohammed, has commissioned a reconstructed a clinic at the Area 1 Command.
The customs officer, who retired from the agency after reaching the mandatory 60 years retirement age, said he was happy “to witness and formally commission the renovated customs clinic,” adding that, “For a long time, this clinic remained in a deplorable state, struggling to meet the expectations and healthcare needs of officers, their families, and the surrounding community.”
The outgoing Customs ACG noted that the narrative has been positively rewritten which he attributed to the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment demonstrated under the dynamic leadership of the Customs Area 1 Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
Mr Mohammed reiterated that Comptroller Atuluku’s vision, foresight, and determination championed the noble cause and transformed a long-standing challenge into a worthy and enduring success.
He insisted that the profound truth underscored the essence of the event even as he noted that a healthy workforce was the backbone of any effective organisation, and the provision of quality healthcare was fundamental to sustaining productivity, morale, and excellence in service delivery, pointing out that the renovation project aligned squarely with the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility mandate which reflected collective commitment to the welfare, well-being, and productivity of the officers and stakeholders.
”As part of our commitment to further demonstrate our readiness to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare needs of the port community, we are also conducting free blood pressure and blood sugar screening tests today.
“This outreach underscores our resolve to extend care beyond infrastructure and directly impact lives through preventive health services,” Mr Mohammed said.
“Today’s occasion therefore represented more than the commissioning of a healthcare facility; it is a clear testament to purposeful leadership, teamwork, and the enduring values of service, compassion, and innovation that define the NCS,” he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, Ms Atuluku applauded the Zonal Coordinator for his steadfastness selflessness and commitment to duty even as she equally praised him for the robust relationship that existed between him and the officers and men of the command, wishing him well in his future endeavours.
She disclosed that renovated facility aligned with the agency’s policy on staff welfare, occupational health, and safety, which recognized that the health and well-being of officers and men remained fundamental to effective service delivery.
“Upon my resumption at the Port Harcourt Area I Command in September 2025, an assessment of the staff clinic revealed that the facility was in a poor state and required urgent intervention to restore it to acceptable operational standards.
“Consequently, renovation works were undertaken to improve its functionality and service delivery. These interventions included the restoration and connection of electricity, repainting of the building, replacement of window blinds, tiling of the clinic floors, repairs to critical bays, restocking of the pharmacy, and other essential improvements aimed at enhancing the working environment and the quality of healthcare services.
“The renovated staff clinic is now better positioned to provide timely and efficient healthcare services to officers and men of the command,” she said.
