CUSTOMS, (ICPC) COMBINE FORCE IN ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE WITH SENSATION PROGRAMME.
Udoka Ekeleme, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has organised a sensitisation programme for its management staff, aimed at boosting the operational effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The event was held in Abuja on 21 August 2025.
Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted that the fight against corruption within the Service was an ongoing commitment. He explained that the sensitisation session formed 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 said.
Itotoh added that the knowledge gained during the session would cascade to other officers, thereby inspiring more effective service delivery. He reaffirmed that the NCS, with support from stakeholders, would continue to fight corruption until it is completely eradicated.
In his remarks, 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 stated.
He urged participants to treat the workshop as a catalyst for renewed commitment, innovation, and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption. “Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” he added.
The sensitisation 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 underscored the importance of institutional reforms and preventive mechanisms against misconduct.
Closing the session, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, head of the Customs Intelligence Unit, reiterated the Service’s determination to deepen its collaboration with the ICPC, stressing that transparency and accountability remain central 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 has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” he said.
