The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability through sustained institutional reforms, saying measures introduced under its current leadership are helping to curb corruption and promote ethical conduct among officers.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, during the 4th Economic Confidential Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR).

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, themed “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication,” Maiwada said integrity remained a key pillar of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), adding that the NCS had aligned its operations with global best practices through integrity perception surveys, continuous reforms and collaboration with anti-corruption agencies.

He said, “The World Customs Organisation is very intentional about the integrity of Customs officers worldwide. Nigeria Customs has conducted integrity perception surveys involving both internal and external stakeholders, and the feedback from those exercises has continued to shape our reforms, our modernisation projects and even our collaboration with other government agencies.”

Maiwada added that the recent visit by the Code of Conduct Bureau to the Service was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ethical standards and accountability among officers.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, described corruption as a global challenge capable of distorting economies, widening inequality and undermining national security.

Aliyu noted that corruption was not peculiar to Nigeria or Africa, stressing that cases recorded across the world demonstrated that corrupt practices transcend national boundaries.

The event also featured the recognition of Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), as Young Communicator of the Year at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards.

Receiving the award, Adeogun dedicated the recognition to the Nigeria Customs Service and pledged to contribute further to the growth and development of the institution through effective communication.

“This award will encourage me to contribute even more to the Service and ensure that I continue to play my role effectively. It has energised me to do more,” he said.
Congratulating Adeogun, Maiwada described the award as a reflection of the officer’s commitment, professionalism and hard work.

“I am particularly delighted to see one of our young officers receive this recognition. No amount of mentorship can produce results unless the individual is willing to learn and improve himself. Adeogun has demonstrated commitment, professionalism and hard work,” he said.

The jury chairperson, Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi, said the awards had evolved beyond an annual recognition programme into a platform for promoting professionalism, effective communication and public trust.

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