The Borno State Office of 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, as part of efforts to bolster public trust and enhance service delivery.
The one-hour sensitisation lecture and interactive session, held recently at the Customs Command Headquarters in Maiduguri on Tuesday, formed part of the Commission’s broader crusade against official graft and its determination to inculcate ethical values across public institutions.
Delivering the keynote address, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Borno and Yobe States, Mr. Linus Gubbi, underscored that integrity, transparency, and accountability remain the cornerstone of effective public administration.
He stressed that public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain answerable for their actions and decisions, noting that corruption not only erodes institutional credibility but also hampers national development. “The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility,” Mr. Gubbi remarked, urging officers to see themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance.
The RACC further called on Customs personnel to embrace preventive measures against corrupt practices and to actively support initiatives that promote good governance within the public sector. He emphasised that public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions in the discharge of their duties, as public confidence in government institutions hinges largely on the ethical conduct of its workforce.
Responding on behalf of the Customs Area Controller, A.M. Idris, the Command expressed profound appreciation to the ICPC for the timely and insightful engagement. The Controller reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in all facets of its operations and pledged continued collaboration with the Commission in advancing anti-corruption reforms and institutional strengthening.
As part of the programme, Assistant Chief Superintendent (ACS) Abba Dzikwi presented a paper titled, “Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in Customs Operations: Promoting Transparency and Ethical Practices.” In his delivery, he highlighted the imperative of transparency in customs processes, strict adherence to ethical codes, and the avoidance of practices that could undermine public confidence. He further encouraged officers to embrace institutional reforms that strengthen efficiency and accountability across all levels of operations.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Special Assistant to the Controller, O.A. Ogunduwase, who commended the ICPC for its sustained efforts in promoting ethical values within public institutions.
Educational materials and commemorative plaques were exchanged between organisations as a symbol of their shared resolve to champion integrity and good governance, and the event rounded off with a group photograph of all participants.
The sensitisation programme reaffirms the ICPC’s unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across public institutions in Borno State and beyond. It aligns with the Commission’s broader mandate to combat corruption and entrench ethical governance at all levels of public service, marking yet another significant step in the nation’s ongoing anti-corruption crusade.