Strengthening Anti-Corruption Drive: Customs Partners ICPC with Sensitisation Programme

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Drive: Customs Partners ICPC with Sensitisation Programme

The nation’s battle against corruption recently received a boost when the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), organised a sensitisation programme for the management staff of the former.

According to the press statement signed by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, AC Abdullahi Maiwada, the event which took place in Abuja on 21 August 2025, focuses on enhancing the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) operational effectiveness.

Declaring the programme open on behalf of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as his representative, was Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who noted that fighting corruption within the Service is not a new undertaking.

He however emphasised that the sensitisation session was part of sustained efforts to strengthen internal controls and instil a culture of integrity across all levels of the organisation.

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

He added that the knowledge gained would cascade to other officers and inspire more effective service delivery. He reaffirmed that Customs, with the support of its stakeholders, would continue to fight corruption until it is completely defeated.

In his own 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.

Continuing, 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”.

He 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 said.

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 his closing remarks of the session, 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.