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.
The programme, which focused on enhancing the operational efficiency of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), was held in Abuja on August 21, 2025.
Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed that combatting corruption within the Service is not a new undertaking.
DCG Itotoh emphasised that the sensitisation session formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal controls and foster a culture of integrity at 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 also stated that the knowledge gained from the programme would be cascaded to other officers and inspire more effective service delivery, adding that the NCS, with the support of its stakeholders, would continue to fight corruption until it is completely defeated.
In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Musa Aliyu, represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, commended the Customs leadership 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.
“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,” Mr. Adigun noted.
He urged Customs officers to remain steadfast in promoting ethical practices and called on the management to continue supporting the ACTU’s work.
“Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” Adigun further stated.
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” presented by Richard Bello. Both presentations highlighted the importance of proactive approaches to institutional reforms and preventive measures against misconduct.
In his closing remarks, 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 are 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 did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” Oshoba remarked.
