The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability through sustained institutional reforms aimed at curbing corruption and promoting ethical conduct among its officers.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, stated this on Thursday, August 13, 2026, while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 4th Economic Confidential Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.
The event, organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), was themed: “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication.”
Maiwada said integrity remained a core principle of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), stressing that the NCS had continued to align its operations with international best practices through regular integrity perception surveys, institutional reforms and stronger collaboration with relevant anti-corruption agencies.
He explained that feedback from integrity surveys involving both internal and external stakeholders had continued to influence the Service’s modernisation initiatives and reform programmes.
According to him, the NCS had also strengthened its engagement with institutions responsible for promoting ethical standards in public service.
“The World Customs Organisation is very intentional about the integrity of Customs officers worldwide. Nigeria Customs has conducted integrity perception surveys involving both internal and external stakeholders, and the feedback from those exercises has continued to shape our reforms, our modernisation projects and even our collaboration with other government agencies,” Maiwada said.
He added that the recent visit of the Code of Conduct Bureau to the NCS was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ethical conduct and accountability among officers.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, described corruption as a global challenge capable of distorting economies, deepening inequality and undermining national security.
Aliyu stressed that corruption was not peculiar to Nigeria or Africa, noting that cases recorded across different countries demonstrated the international nature of corrupt practices and the need for collective efforts to combat them.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding communication professionals, with Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), emerging as the Young Communicator of the Year at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards.
Receiving the award, Adeogun dedicated the recognition to the Nigeria Customs Service and pledged to contribute more to the growth and image of the institution through effective communication.
He said the award would further motivate him to improve his performance and play a more effective role in the Service.
“This award will encourage me to contribute even more to the Service and ensure that I continue to play my role effectively. It has energised me to do more,” he said.
Congratulating Adeogun, Maiwada described the award as a testament to the young officer’s commitment, professionalism and dedication to duty.
He said mentorship could only produce meaningful results when individuals were willing to learn, develop themselves and apply the lessons gained.
“I am particularly delighted to see one of our young officers receive this recognition. No amount of mentorship can produce results unless the individual is willing to learn and improve himself. Adeogun has demonstrated commitment, professionalism and hard work,” Maiwada said.
Also speaking, the Chairperson of the awards jury, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the National Spokespersons Awards had evolved beyond an annual recognition programme into a platform for promoting professionalism, effective communication and public trust.
She stressed the importance of credible and responsible communication in strengthening public confidence in institutions and supporting national development.
The event underscored the growing importance of institutional integrity, strategic communication and accountability in driving economic stability and strengthening public trust in government agencies.
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