The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has organised a sensitisation workshop aimed at strengthening the operational effectiveness of its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU). The event was held in Abuja on 21 August 2025.
Declaring the programme open, Deputy Comptroller-General Greg Itotoh, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said tackling corruption within the Service was not new, but required constant reinforcement. He noted that the sensitisation exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to tighten internal controls and embed a culture of integrity across the organisation.
“Having you here today demonstrates our resolve to fight corruption. Your presence further encourages us and strengthens that desire to enforce the Anti-Corruption initiatives we have put in place,” Itotoh said. He added that the knowledge gained from the training would be cascaded to other officers to inspire more effective service delivery, assuring that Customs, alongside its stakeholders, would sustain the fight against corruption until it is eradicated.
In his remarks, ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, represented by Olusegun Adigun, praised the leadership of Customs for prioritising integrity and hosting the programme. He described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to national development, eroding trust, stifling economic growth, and weakening governance.
“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 renewed commitment, innovation, and proactive engagement in the fight against corruption,” he said.
The workshop featured paper presentations including “Understanding the ACTU Standing Order 2023” delivered by an ICPC official, and “Preventive Strategies in Combating Corruption in Public Institutions” presented by Richard Bello. Both emphasised proactive reforms and preventive measures as key to reducing misconduct.
Closing the session, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, who heads the Customs Intelligence Unit, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to deepening collaboration with ICPC. He stressed that transparency and accountability remain central to the Service’s modernisation drive.
“We’re deeply grateful to the ACTU for initiating and championing this programme. Your relentless effort towards promoting accountability and good governance has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for being the moral compass within our institution,” Oshoba said.
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