The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to maintain the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The charge was delivered by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr Linus Gubbi, during a sensitisation lecture and interactive session held at the Nigeria Customs Service Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the ICPC spokesperson, Mr Okor Odey, the engagement formed part of the commission’s broader efforts to combat corruption and promote ethical conduct across public institutions.
Gubbi stressed that integrity, transparency and accountability remain essential pillars of effective public administration, noting that corruption undermines institutional credibility and hampers national development.
He urged customs officers to consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions while carrying out their responsibilities.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility. Officers must see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance,” he said.
The anti-corruption commissioner further encouraged customs personnel to embrace preventive measures against corruption and actively support initiatives aimed at strengthening good governance within the public sector.
He added that public trust in government institutions largely depends on the ethical conduct of public servants.
Responding, the Customs Area Comptroller, Abdullahi Idris, commended the ICPC for the engagement, describing it as timely and insightful.
Idris reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism in all aspects of its operations.
He also pledged the service’s continued collaboration with the ICPC in advancing anti-corruption reforms and strengthening institutional integrity.
As part of the programme, an Assistant Chief Superintendent of the ICPC, 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, adherence to ethical standards and the need to avoid practices capable of eroding public confidence.
He encouraged officers to embrace reforms that promote efficiency, accountability and improved service delivery.
The programme reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across public institutions as part of the nation’s ongoing anti-corruption drive.
