The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Friday hosted a training on transparency and accountability in public service.
The lecture involving Customs’ officers from various units as well as representatives from the ICPC and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) was held at the Command headquarters.
Oscar Ivara, the Public Relations Officer of the Command made this known in a statement, noting that the training is part of efforts to foster ethical practices and integrity.
While welcoming the participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka acknowledged the vital role of ICPC and ACTU in promoting transparency, stating that the NCS has established robust mechanisms to detect and discipline corrupt officers.
“Discipline, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable values in our operations,” Comptroller Onyeka said.
The session was introduced by Assistant Comptroller Owoniyi, Coordinator of ACTU in Customs Zone A, who gave a brief preamble and reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to building an ethical culture within the Service.
Mrs. Mary Omonoyan, Guest Speaker from ICPC’s Department of Public Enlightenment and Education, delivered a compelling lecture on the necessity of transparency and accountability in public offices.
Omonoyan noted that public trust is built on openness, emphasising that ethical behavior is key to efficient governance.
On her part, the Deputy Director in charge of operations in the Lagos office of ICPC, Dr. Florence Bari addressed the far-reaching effects of corruption in the public sector, with particular focus on lateness to duty and unethical practices in public procurement.
Bari urged officers to serve with integrity, stressing that corruption undermines public service delivery and weakens institutional credibility.
The lecture ended with an interactive session, encouraging officers to share ideas and strategies for strengthening transparency within their departments.
“This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Tincan Island Port Command and ICPC to entrenching accountability and ethical standards in public service,” the statement added.
