Customs, ICPC Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive with Sensitisation Programme

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), organised a sensitisation programme for its management staff, focusing on enhancing the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) operational effectiveness.

The event, which took place in Abuja on Thursday, 21 August 2025, was declared open by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh.

DCG Itotoh emphasised that the sensitisation session was part of sustained efforts to strengthen internal controls and instill a culture of integrity across all levels of the organisation, as fighting corruption within the Service is not a new undertaking.

“Having you here today demonstrated our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthen the desire to enforce our Anti-Corruption initiatives that we have put in place”, he remarked.

The DCG asserted that the knowledge gained would be passed to other officers and inspire more effective service delivery and reaffirmed that Customs, with the support of its stakeholders, would continue to fight corruption until it is completely defeated.

In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, represented by Olusegun Adigun, commended the leadership of Customs 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”, he said. “As we engage in today’s discourse, let us remember that every act of integrity contributes to a stronger, more transparent society. Let this workshop be a catalyst for a renewed commitment, innovation and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption”.

Adigun urged Customs Officers to remain steadfast in fostering ethical practices and called on management to continue supporting the ACTU’s work. “Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” he added.

The programme featured paper presentations, including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” delivered by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” by Richard Bello.

Both presentations highlighted the need for a proactive approach to institutional reforms and preventive measures against misconduct.

In a closing remark, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Emmanuel Oshoba, reiterated the Service’s determination to deepen its collaboration with ICPC, stressing that transparency and accountability remain core to its modernisation agenda.

“We’re deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this Programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution”, he stated.