The Borno State Office of 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, particularly in revenue collection and border operations.
The charge was given during a sensitisation lecture and interactive session held at the Customs Command Headquarters in Maiduguri as part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical conduct and combat corruption within public institutions.
Speaking at the event, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr. Linus Gubbi, stressed that integrity, transparency and accountability remain critical pillars of effective public administration and national development.
According to him, public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions, noting that corruption undermines institutional credibility and weakens public confidence in government institutions.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility,” Gubbi said, urging Customs officers to see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance and champions of good public service.
He further encouraged personnel of the Service to adopt preventive measures against corrupt practices and actively support initiatives aimed at strengthening good governance across the public sector.
Responding on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, A.M. Idris, the Command expressed appreciation to the ICPC for the sensitisation programme, describing it as timely and insightful.
The Controller reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism in all aspects of its operations and pledged continued collaboration with the anti-graft agency in advancing institutional reforms and anti-corruption initiatives.
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.”
He highlighted the importance of transparency in customs processes, strict adherence to ethical standards and the need to avoid practices capable of eroding public trust.
Dzikwi also called on officers to embrace reforms that enhance operational efficiency, accountability and service delivery within the Service.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the Special Assistant to the Controller, O.A. Ogunduwase, who commended the ICPC for its sustained efforts in promoting integrity and ethical values across public institutions.
Educational materials and commemorative plaques were exchanged between the two organisations as a symbol of their shared commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability. The programme ended with a group photograph of participants.
The sensitisation exercise, according to the ICPC, forms part of its broader mandate to foster a culture of integrity and ethical governance in public service, while strengthening the nation’s fight against corruption.
SOURCE: nationalinsightnews.com