By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its internal anti-corruption campaign in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as both agencies jointly organised a sensitisation programme for management staff in Abuja on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The event, designed to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) within Customs, brought together senior officers and stakeholders to deliberate on preventive strategies, institutional reforms, and the promotion of ethical practices in service delivery.
Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, described the session as part of sustained reforms aimed at strengthening internal controls and instilling integrity at all levels of the Service.
“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,” Itotoh said. He added that the knowledge gained would cascade to other officers and inspire more effective service delivery, reaffirming Customs’ commitment to fighting corruption until it is completely eradicated.
In his goodwill message, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, represented by Olusegun Adigun, commended the leadership of Customs for prioritising integrity and institutional transparency. He noted that corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to national development, eroding public trust, stifling economic growth, and diminishing the effectiveness of governance.
“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,” Aliyu urged. He encouraged Customs officers to remain steadfast in ethical conduct while calling on management to continue empowering the ACTU as a driver of accountability within the institution.
The sensitisation featured insightful paper presentations, including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” delivered by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” presented by Richard Bello. Both papers underscored the importance of proactive approaches to reform and preventive measures as tools for curbing misconduct in public service.
Closing the session, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who heads the Customs Intelligence Unit, reaffirmed the Service’s determination to strengthen its partnership with the ICPC in driving reforms under 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,” Oshoba remarked.
