The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in the fight against corruption and promoting integrity in public service.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service to the ICPC Lagos Office, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC, Mr. Alexander Chukwurah fsi underscored the Commission’s commitment to lawful enforcement, preventive measures, and public enlightenment as part of its threefold mandate.
He highlighted that the ICPC remains the most cultured, professional, and civil of all anti-graft agencies in Nigeria, emphasizing the Commission’s preference for partnership over rivalry.
“Unlike other agencies, we don’t believe in gangsterism or media trials. We believe in partnership as opposed to competition and unhealthy rivalry,” he said.
He noted that ICPC’s work style is a deliberate and traditional approach aimed at promoting collaboration with other government bodies to foster transparency and accountability in governance.
The Commissioner praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its significant contributions to national revenue, particularly acknowledging the cooperation between both agencies in intelligence sharing that has yielded positive results.
“At a point this year, your command’s revenue generation was particularly high I was instrumental to that. We shared top-notch intelligence with your former Controller,” he added.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation for the existing cordial relationship between both agencies.
He outlined the NCS’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and ensuring national security, noting that the Comptroller-General’s policy thrust—consolidation, collaboration, and innovation aligns perfectly with the ICPC’s objectives.
“The only lasting thing you can have is relationships,” the Controller said. “That’s why we are here to consolidate and deepen existing partnerships for the benefit of both organisations and our nation.”
He also emphasized the importance of compliance and integrity within the Customs Service, assuring that the command will continue to prevent acts of misconduct while strengthening public enlightenment among its personnel and stakeholders.
“We will continue to encourage enlightenment programmes that promote transparency and accountability,” he stated, pledging to involve the ICPC in seminars and sensitisation parades aimed at educating officers and stakeholders on ethical standards.
Both agencies agreed that inter-agency cooperation remains critical to achieving national objectives, especially in the areas of intelligence sharing, anti-corruption campaigns, and process integrity.
The visit ended with mutual assurances of continued partnership, with both sides reaffirming their shared vision of a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
One Comment