The Nigeria Customs Service’s PTML command has teamed up with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to foster transparency and combat corruption.
This was disclosed in a press statement by the the command’s Public Relations Officer Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar on 20th March, 2025.
Customs area controller of the command Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, emphasized the importance of transparency among officers during a lecture facilitated by the NCS south Zones of Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) urging them to uphold transparency as a means to promote fairness, productivity, and integrity in the workplace
Comptroller Daniyan also reminded the officers that the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing modernization efforts, which are being implemented transparently, will lead to improved results in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling.
He also stressed the importance of compliance with regulations, encouraging customs officers to view watchdogs as collaborative partners rather than adversaries. While stating the command’s vital role in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts, he noted that over 80% of the service’s operations are now automated, significantly enhancing efficiency and accountability.
He’s reaffirmed that the NCS is one of the most transparent agencies when it comes to revenue collection because all duties are paid directly into authorized dealer banks thereby leaving no room for manipulation.
On compliant RoRo consignments, the area controller, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to speeding up cargo clearance times and they are Currethey’re aiming to beat their record of clearing compliant cargo in just one hours and to achieve this importers and agents make sincere declarations and pay up duties on time.
Furthermore, in ensuring transparency in their financial records, he reiterated that auditors regularly review their records to ensure they’re complying with government policies.
Also speaking at the lecture Chief Superintendent Mrs. Mary Omonoyan of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission stressed that since public institutions are funded by the public, it’s only fair that citizens are fully informed about how their money is being spent.
According to Mrs Omonoyan, corruption, as defined by the ICPC Act of 2000, includes bribery, fraud, forgery, impersonation, abuse of official property, over-invoicing, and even sexual harassment an area the commission has strengthened by establishing a dedicated Sexual Harassment Unit at the national level.
She stated that a public officers has a duty to report bribery transactions, as outlined in Section 23 of the ICPC Act. And the ICPC’s anti-corruption strategy operates on three key pillar which are enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment.
” To strengthen the integrity in government institutions, the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard was introduced, assessing agencies on their transparency and ethical conduct. The results of these assessments help identify high-performing institutions and those requiring improvement.
” Fostering transparency and accountability in public service builds public trust, enhances effectiveness, and promotes ethical conduct. Officials are urged to practice integrity by making ethical decisions even when no one is watching
” Officers are encouraged to report infractions, resolve public complaints efficiently, and uphold the Nigerian Customs Service’s mission and values. They should have clear job responsibilities, a strong chain of command, and an environment where accountability thrives such as placing suggestion boxes in the command
” The ICPC remains committed to fostering a corruption-free Nigeria through diligent enforcement, preventive measures, and nationwide enlightenment efforts” she said
