By Isaac Aregbesola
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their operations.
This is contained in a statement signed by ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey.
The statement quoted the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr Linus Gubbi, as giving the charge in Maiduguri.
It said she spoke at a sensitisation lecture and interactive session held at the Customs Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.
Gubbi said that the charge formed part of the commission’s broader crusade against official graft and its determination to inculcate ethical values across public institutions.
He said that integrity, transparency and accountability remained the cornerstone of effective public administration.
He emphasised that public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain answerable for their actions and decisions as corruption was eroding institutional credibility and hampering national development.
According to him, the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and officers must see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance.
The commissioner called on customs personnel to embrace preventive measures against corrupt practices and to actively support initiatives that promoted good governance within the public sector.
He added that public confidence in government institutions was largely dependent on the ethical conduct of its workforce.
Responding, the Customs Area Comptroller, Abdullahi Idris, expressed appreciation to the ICPC for the timely and insightful engagement.
Idris reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in all facets of its operations.
He pledged the NCS continued collaboration with the commission in advancing anti-corruption reforms and institutional strengthening.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that a paper titled “Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in Customs Operations: Promoting Transparency and Ethical Practices”, was presented at the session.
ICPC Assistant Chief Superintendent (ACS) Abba Dzikwi, who presented the paper, highlighted the imperative of transparency in customs processes, strict adherence to ethical codes, and the avoidance of practices that could undermine public confidence.
He encouraged officers to embrace institutional reforms that strengthen efficiency and accountability across all levels of operations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)