On May 20, 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) initiated a sensitisation programme in collaboration with Songhai Health Trust to educate officers on the benefits of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The event, held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, aimed to enhance the understanding and utilisation of the NHIS among customs officers.

Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Human Resource Development, Greg Itotoh, highlighted the significance of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in providing high-quality healthcare services to officers. He emphasised that the programme seeks to enlighten officers on maximising the benefits offered by Songhai Health Trust under the NHIS.

“This is a way of providing quality health care services to officers that are affordable and stress-free. It is an insurance program that NCS makes mandatory contributions to. We want every officer to key into it and make the best use of the incentives provided by the government because whether we make use of it or not, Nigeria Customs Service pays, and that is why we don’t want to be wasting that money,” Itotoh stated.

He further explained that the NCS medical unit would be visiting different zones, commands, and customs formations to further sensitise officers about the scheme’s advantages.

Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Comptroller of Customs (Pharmacy) and NHIA Desk Officer, reiterated that the NHIS is a government initiative designed to pool resources for effective healthcare delivery to citizens.

Additionally, Dr. Rotimi Anlemi, Deputy Manager of Operations at Songhai Health Trust, provided insights into the scheme’s operation, educating officers on the numerous benefits it offers.

The sensitisation programme marks a significant step towards ensuring that customs officers have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare, enhancing their overall well-being and productivity.