ICPC Charges Customs Officers on Integrity, Transparency to Boost Revenue Collection
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that ethical conduct remains critical to strengthening public trust and improving service delivery.
The call was made during a sensitisation lecture and interactive session organised by the ICPC Borno State Office at the Nigeria Customs Service Command Headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to a press release issued by the ICPC and signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, the engagement formed part of the Commission’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign aimed at promoting ethical values and accountability across public institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr. Linus Gubbi, described integrity, transparency and accountability as the foundation of effective public administration.
He warned that corruption undermines institutional credibility and national development, urging Customs officers to remain professional and accountable in carrying out their responsibilities.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility,” Gubbi said, calling on officers to see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance.
He further encouraged Customs personnel to embrace preventive measures against corrupt practices and actively support initiatives that promote good governance within the public sector.
According to him, public confidence in government institutions largely depends on the ethical conduct of public servants.
“Public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions in the discharge of their duties,” he stated.
Responding on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, A.M. Idris, officials of the Command expressed appreciation to the ICPC for what they described as a timely and insightful engagement.
The Customs Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in all aspects of its operations and pledged continued collaboration with the anti-graft agency in advancing institutional reforms.
As part of the programme, Assistant Chief Superintendent (ACS) Abba Dzikwi presented a paper titled “Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in Customs Operations: Promoting Transparency and Ethical Practices.”
In his presentation, Dzikwi highlighted the importance of transparency in customs procedures, strict adherence to ethical standards and the need to avoid practices capable of eroding public confidence.
“Officers must embrace institutional reforms that strengthen efficiency and accountability across all levels of operations,” he said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Special Assistant to the Controller, O.A. Ogunduwase, who commended the ICPC for its sustained efforts in promoting integrity and ethical governance within public institutions.
Educational materials and commemorative plaques were exchanged between both organisations as a symbol of their shared commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance.
The ICPC said the sensitisation programme underscores its determination to entrench a culture of integrity in public service and aligns with its broader mandate of combating corruption and promoting ethical governance across the country.
