Anti-Graft Agency Urges Customs Officials to Demonstrate Honesty and Openness in Tax Gathering

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has urged officers of the Nigeria Customs Service to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their daily operations, as disclosed in a statement by the ICPC Spokesperson, Mr Okor Odey, on Sunday in Abuja.

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According to Odey, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe States, Mr Linus Gubbi, issued this charge during a sensitisation lecture and interactive session at the Customs Command Headquarters in Maiduguri.

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Gubbi emphasized that upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability is crucial for effective public administration, and that these values are at the core of the commission's efforts to combat official graft and promote ethical standards across public institutions.

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He stressed that public officers must consistently demonstrate professionalism and remain accountable for their actions and decisions, as corruption can erode institutional credibility and hinder national development.

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Gubbi also noted that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility, and that officers should view themselves as ambassadors of ethical governance, promoting good governance within the public sector.

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The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner further encouraged customs personnel to adopt preventive measures against corruption and support initiatives that promote transparency and accountability.

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He reiterated that public officers must demonstrate professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties, as public confidence in government institutions largely depends on the ethical conduct of its workforce.

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In response, the Customs Area Comptroller, Abdullahi Idris, expressed gratitude to the ICPC for the timely engagement and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to transparency and accountability in all its operations.

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Idris pledged the NCS's continued collaboration with the ICPC in advancing anti-corruption reforms and institutional strengthening, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in promoting good governance.

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An Assistant Chief Superintendent in the ICPC, Abba Dzikwi, presented a paper titled "Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in Customs Operations: Promoting Transparency and Ethical Practices", which highlighted the need for transparency in customs processes and adherence to ethical codes.

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Dzikwi encouraged officers to embrace institutional reforms that strengthen efficiency and accountability across all levels of operations, promoting a culture of integrity and transparency within the customs service.

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The programme reflects the ICPC's dedication to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability across public institutions in Borno and beyond, aligning with the Commission's mandate to combat corruption and promote ethical governance.

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This effort marks another significant step in the nation's ongoing anti-corruption crusade, demonstrating the ICPC's commitment to entrenching ethical governance at all levels of public service.