Customs, ICPC Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive With Sensitisation Programme

…As50 Officers In Junior Course 22 Graduates From

Customs College

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has organised a sensitisation programme for its management staff. The programme focuses on enhancing the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) operational effectiveness. The event took place in Abuja on 21 August 2025.

Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted that fighting corruption within the Service is not a new undertaking. He emphasised that the sensitisation session was part of sustained efforts to strengthen internal controls and instil a culture of integrity across all levels of the organisation.

“Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Being with us further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce our Anti-Corruption initiatives that we have put in place”, he remarked.

He added that the knowledge gained would cascade to other officers and inspire more effective service delivery. He reaffirmed that Customs, with the support of its stakeholders, would continue to fight corruption until it is completely defeated.

In his remarks, the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, represented by Olusegun Adigun, commended the leadership of Customs for prioritising integrity and making the programme a reality.

“Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to national development, eroding trust, stifling economic growth and diminishing the effectiveness of governance”, he said.

He continues, “As we engage in today’s discourse, let us remember that every act of integrity contributes to a stronger, more transparent society. Let this workshop be a catalyst for a renewed commitment, innovation and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption”.

He urged Customs officers to remain steadfast in fostering ethical practices and called on management to continue supporting the ACTU’s work. “Every act of integrity will help reshape society,” he said.

The programme featured paper presentations, including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” delivered by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” by Richard Bello. Both presentations highlighted the need for a proactive approach to institutional reforms and preventive measures against misconduct.

Closing the session, the Comptroller in charge of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Emmanuel Oshoba, reiterated the Service’s determination to deepen its collaboration with ICPC, stressing that transparency and accountability remain core to its modernisation agenda.

“We’re deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this Programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution”, he stated.

In a related development, the CGC has urged young officers of the Service to embrace innovation, discipline, and resilience as they advance in their careers, stressing that the Service’s future depends on their commitment to excellence.

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development, DCG Greg Itotoh, the Customs boss gave the charge on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the graduation ceremony of 50 students of Junior Course 22 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.

The event, held at the Ahmad Makarfi Hall, marked another milestone in the College’s mission to groom officers for higher responsibilities.

DCG Itotoh congratulated the graduates and said their success resulted from hard work, resilience, and zeal to maintain the high level of discipline demanded by the institution. He urged the officers not to rest on their laurels but to apply the lessons learnt to practical outcomes in their daily assignments.

“We can forget the harsh corrections, the restrictions, and the pain of training, but let us never forget the lessons learnt. As you return to your units, face the unknown with courage and determination, because as Customs officers, our duties are laced with challenges,” he said.

He further reminded the officers that under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service prioritises innovation, and he encouraged them to take on tasks that improve efficiency and strengthen the Service’s global standing.

The Commandant of the College, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, described the occasion as “a unique day” for the institution, noting that the graduating officers had endured rigorous training focused on leadership, discipline, and professional development.

The Junior Course was designed to prepare young officers for the growing service demands in a complex and evolving operational environment. This cohort has invested significant mental, emotional, and physical effort, and their dedication has paid off,” ACG Adebakin said.

She added that, beyond academics, the course incorporated health checks, physical exercises, and activities that tested punctuality, teamwork, and conduct, all of which aimed to produce well-rounded officers.

Outstanding participants were awarded in leadership, discipline, marksmanship, and academic excellence categories, underscoring the training’s overall impact.

Customs spokesman, Dr. Abdullaji Maiwada in a release said all 50 graduating students were also presented with certificates, signifying their successful course completion, even as the commandant urged the graduands to serve as “good ambassadors” of the College as they returned to their various Commands.