Customs, ICPC Chart New Course in Anti-Corruption Collaboration
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has held a sensitisation programme for its management staff in Abuja to strengthen the operational effectiveness of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Declaring the programme open on Thursday, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, said the fight against corruption within the Service was not new but part of ongoing reforms to instil integrity and accountability.
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“Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce our anti-corruption initiatives,” he said.
He added that the knowledge gained from the session would be cascaded to other officers and enhance service delivery, stressing that Customs, with support from stakeholders, would continue the fight against graft until it is completely defeated.
In his remarks, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, represented by Olusegun Adigun, commended the Customs leadership for prioritising integrity and making the programme a reality.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to national development, eroding trust, stifling economic growth and diminishing the effectiveness of governance. As we engage in today’s discourse, let us remember that every act of integrity contributes to a stronger, more transparent society,” he said.
He urged Customs officers to remain steadfast in promoting ethical practices and called on management to continue supporting ACTU’s mandate.
The sensitisation featured paper presentations, including Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023 by an ICPC official and Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions by Richard Bello.
Closing the session, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed the Service’s determination to deepen its collaboration with the ICPC.
“We are deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” he stated.
The initiative is part of Customs’ modernisation agenda, which places transparency and accountability at the centre of its operations.
