Tincan Customs Command, ICPC Champion Transparency in Public Service with Enlightening Lecture
In a concerted effort to entrench ethical values and integrity in public administration, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), organised a lecture on Transparency and Accountability in Public Service.
The enlightening session, held on Friday at the Command Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, brought together officers from various units of the Command, officials from the ICPC, and members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), reinforcing a united front against corruption in the public sector.
In his welcome address, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port, underscored the pivotal role of the ICPC and ACTU in advancing transparency across public institutions.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its anti-corruption stance and has in place firm internal mechanisms for identifying and sanctioning erring officers.
“Discipline, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable values in our operations,” Comptroller Onyeka asserted, encouraging officers to embrace these principles in the discharge of their duties.
Setting the tone for the day’s deliberations, Assistant Comptroller Owoniyi, ACTU Coordinator for Customs Zone A, gave a brief preamble in which he reaffirmed the unit’s unwavering commitment to nurturing an ethical and transparent work culture within the Service.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Mrs. Mary Omonoyan from the ICPC’s Department of Public Enlightenment and Education, emphasised that trust in public institutions is predicated on openness and ethical conduct.
She noted that accountability is not merely a procedural formality but a cornerstone of good governance.
“Public trust is built on openness, and ethical behaviour is key to efficient governance,” she stated.
In a complementary presentation, Dr. Florence Bari, Deputy Director of Operations at the ICPC’s Lagos Office, highlighted the broad and detrimental impacts of corruption on public service.
Focusing on common lapses such as lateness to duty and infractions in public procurement, she urged officers to uphold integrity in all facets of service delivery.
“Corruption undermines public service delivery and weakens institutional credibility,” Dr. Bari warned, calling on participants to champion accountability both individually and collectively.
The lecture culminated in an engaging interactive session, providing attendees the opportunity to contribute ideas and discuss practical strategies for strengthening transparency within their respective departments.
