PTML Customs Partners with ICPC to Promote Transparency, Accountability

…As Comptroller Daniyan Assures of Faster Clearance Time for Compliant Cargo

The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its commitment to transparency and accountability through a strategic partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The collaboration aims to reinforce the fight against corruption and foster greater integrity in customs operations.

This development was highlighted at a lecture organised by the NCS South Zones of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), where the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan (mni), addressed officers on the importance of maintaining transparency and compliance in their daily operations.

Comptroller Daniyan underscored that the ongoing modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, which is being implemented transparently, will enhance the agency’s efficiency in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts.

He emphasised that over 80% of the service’s operations have been automated, allowing for improved accountability and faster processing times.

“The Nigeria Customs Service is one of the most transparent agencies in terms of revenue collection. All duties are paid directly into authorised dealer banks, which eliminates any room for manipulation,” Daniyan stated.

He assured stakeholders that the command remains committed to surpassing its existing record of two-hour cargo clearance time for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) consignments.

However, he stressed that achieving this goal would require greater cooperation from importers and agents through sincere declarations and timely payment of duties.

Comptroller Daniyan also addressed misconceptions about the diversion of government funds, stating that financial records of the command are frequently audited by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

He asserted that the NCS operates with a high level of accountability and transparency, urging officers to embrace ethical conduct and project a positive image of the service.

“The public must perceive the Nigeria Customs Service as transparent. Officers are encouraged to see oversight bodies not as adversaries but as partners in promoting fairness and productivity,” he added.

In her remarks, the Chief Superintendent of the ICPC’s Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Mrs Mary Omonoyan, delivered a lecture on fostering a culture of accountability and transparency within the NCS.

She reminded officers that public institutions are funded by taxpayers, making it essential to keep the public informed about financial activities.

According to Mrs Omonoyan, corruption, as defined by the ICPC Act of 2000, encompasses bribery, fraud, forgery, impersonation, abuse of official property, over-invoicing, and sexual harassment.

She noted that the ICPC had established a dedicated Sexual Harassment Unit at the national level to address such issues.

“Corruption often arises from discretionary actions in promotions, appointments, falsification of records, employment, and disciplinary processes. Public officers have a duty to report any bribery transactions, as outlined in Section 23 of the ICPC Act,” she stated.

Mrs Omonoyan highlighted the three pillars of the ICPC’s anti-corruption strategy – enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment.

She also noted that the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard had been introduced to assess government agencies on their transparency and ethical conduct, identifying high-performing institutions and those needing improvement.

“Fostering transparency and accountability in public service builds public trust, enhances effectiveness, and promotes ethical conduct. Officers are urged to report infractions, resolve public complaints efficiently, and uphold the Nigeria Customs Service’s mission and values,” Mrs Omonoyan said.

She advised the command to establish clear job responsibilities, maintain a strong chain of command, and create an environment where accountability thrives, such as by placing suggestion boxes within the command.

The ICPC remains committed to promoting a corruption-free Nigeria through diligent enforcement, preventive measures, and continuous public awareness campaigns.

The lecture ended with a renewed commitment from both the NCS and the ICPC to strengthen transparency and integrity within the Nigeria Customs Service, reinforcing the role of customs officers in safeguarding national economic interests.