ICPC Trains Customs Personnel On Transparency

…As PTML Area Controller, Daniyan Assures of Faster Clearance Time

BY FUNMI  ALUKO

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Thursday, March 20, 2025 organised a training workshop for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Area Command, which training particularly highlighted the virtues of transparency in government business.

A cross section of officers of the command during the workshop, with the former public relations officer of the command, Assistant Compt. Y. Mohammed front, left

While addressing officers at the workshop, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, mni, noted that the training was undertaken to promote the virtue of transparency which serves as a pillar in the fight against corruption, hinting that the success of the ongoing modernization of customs operations depends on transparency.

A press statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Abdullahi Tsafe Abubakar, also quoted Daniyan as noting that with transparency, the service can achieve better results in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling activities.

The statement reads: “The Port  and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, of Nigeria Customs Service has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) , to promote the virtue of transparency and uphold the fight against corruption.

“At a lecture facilitated by the NCS south Zones of  Anti Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan(Mnia) urged officers of the command to uphold the tenet of transparency as a way to promote fairness and productivity in the workplace.”

The PTML customs boss reminded the officers that the ongoing modernisation of the service which is being implemented transparently is capable of making the service achieve better results in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling.

“The controller emphasised the importance of compliance with regulations, stressing that customs officers should see watchdogs as partners rather than adversaries.

“He highlighted the crucial role of the Command in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts. He stated that over 80% of the service operations are automated to enhance efficiency and accountability.”

While maintaining that the NCS is amongst the most transparent agencies of government in revenue collection, he averred that all duties are paid directly into authorized dealers’ banks, leaving no room for manipulation.

Speaking further, Daniyan said the command is committed to beating it’s existing record of two hour cargo clearance time frame for compliant RoRo consignments if the importers and agents cooperate more in terms of sincere declaration and timely payment of duty.

He disclosed that auditors from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAGF) frequently review the service’s financial records at both the command and federal levels, ensuring strict compliance with government policies.

He used the opportunity to dispel insinuation that Customs officials collect and divert government funds, noting that the service operates with a high level of accountability while encouraging officers to embrace ethical conduct and contribute positively to the agency’s mandate.

The ICPC represented by Chief Superintendent Mrs Mary Omonoyan in charge of on Public Enlightenment and Education, took officers of the command on how they can  build a culture of accountability and transparency; emphasized that   since public institutions are established and run with public funds, it is important  that the public is adequately informed about the state of their financial management.

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 also highlighted that corruption often stems from discretionary actions in promotions, appointments, falsification of official records , employment, and disciplinary processes.

This is even as she explained that public officers have a duty to report unwholesome behaviour and practices such as bribery as outlined in Section 23 of the ICPC Act.

The ICPC official also highlighted the pillars of ICPC’s Anti-Corruption fight namely enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment.

“To strengthen 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”, adding:

“The ICPC remains committed to fostering a corruption-free Nigeria through diligent enforcement, preventive measures, and nationwide enlightenment efforts.”