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 to strengthen public confidence and improve service delivery.
The charge was delivered during a sensitisation lecture and interactive session organised by the ICPC at the Customs Command Headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical conduct and combat corruption in 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 essential pillars of effective public administration.
He stressed that public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions, warning that corruption undermines institutional credibility and impedes national development.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility,” Gubbi said, urging customs officers to see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance and to support initiatives that promote good governance across the public sector.
According to him, public trust in government institutions depends largely on the ethical conduct of public servants, making it imperative for officers to embrace preventive measures against corrupt practices.
The Customs Area Controller, A.M. Idris, who was represented at the event, commended the ICPC for the engagement, describing it as timely and insightful.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to transparency and accountability in its operations and pledged continued collaboration with the anti-corruption 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.”
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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.
He also encouraged officers to embrace reforms aimed at improving efficiency and accountability within the service.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Special Assistant to the Controller, O.A. Ogunduwase, who praised the ICPC’s sustained efforts to promote ethical values in public institutions.
Educational materials and commemorative plaques were exchanged between the two organisations as a symbol of their shared commitment to integrity and good governance, while participants also took a group photograph to mark the occasion.
The sensitisation programme, according to the ICPC, reflects its continued commitment to fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical governance in public institutions as part of the nation’s broader anti-corruption drive.
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