WE HAVE INSTITUTED MECHANISMS TO NIP CORRUPTION IN THE BUD—COMPT ONYEKA TELLS ICPC
In a strategic move to deepen transparency and integrity in public service, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), organized a training lecture on Friday, April 11, 2025.
The event, titled “Transparency and Accountability in Public Service,” took place at the Command Headquarters and brought together officers from multiple units, alongside ICPC officials and members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
Delivering his welcome remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, lauded the ICPC and ACTU for their unwavering efforts in promoting transparency within the public sector.
“Discipline, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable values in our operations,” said Comptroller Onyeka. “We have instituted mechanisms to detect, investigate, and discipline officers found guilty of corrupt practices.”
The session was introduced by Assistant Comptroller Owoniyi, the ACTU Coordinator for Customs Zone A. He provided a brief background and reiterated ACTU’s commitment to instilling a culture of ethics and integrity within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Keynote speaker Mrs. Mary Omonoyan from the ICPC’s Department of Public Enlightenment and Education presented a powerful lecture highlighting the essence of transparency in governance.
“Public trust is built on openness. Ethical behaviour is fundamental to achieving efficiency and good governance in any public office,” she stated.
Adding her voice, Dr. Florence Bari, Deputy Director of Operations at ICPC’s Lagos Office, addressed the deeper consequences of unethical practices within the public sector.
Her presentation focused on issues such as poor time management, unethical procurement processes, and lax discipline among public officers, according to Maritime Update online.
“Corruption undermines public service delivery and weakens institutional credibility,” she emphasized. “We must serve with integrity and uphold the values that promote effective governance.”
The lecture concluded with an interactive session where Customs officers exchanged ideas and suggested practical strategies to reinforce transparency within their operational departments.
This collaborative initiative by the Tin Can Island Port Command and ICPC underlines a shared determination to uphold ethical standards and ensure greater accountability across Nigeria’s public institutions.