Nigeria Customs Deepens Integrity Framework as ICPC Deploys Ethics Compliance Tools

Nigeria Customs Deepens Integrity Framework as ICPC Deploys Ethics Compliance Tools

Abuja, Nigeria – June 18, 2025

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance with the deployment of key anti-corruption tools by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

A delegation from the ICPC visited the Customs Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, to implement the Ethics and Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Effectiveness Index (AEI)—two critical evaluation tools designed to promote integrity and improve compliance across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs in charge of Headquarters, Isah Umar. He described the initiative as timely and aligned with the Service’s ongoing reform agenda to ensure professionalism, ethical conduct, and citizen-focused service delivery.

“This exercise reflects a broader national effort to entrench transparency across public institutions,” Umar stated. “The Nigeria Customs Service welcomes this oversight process and has fully prepared all necessary documentation to support the assessment. We remain committed to continuous improvement and open collaboration with the ICPC.”

Also speaking at the session, the Comptroller of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Emmanuel Oshoba, and Comptroller of Special Duties, Hannel Hadison, highlighted that the NCS has already institutionalized the ACTU structure across its commands. These units, they noted, are actively involved in anti-corruption advocacy, monitoring compliance, and promoting transparency within the Service.

Leading the ICPC delegation, Umar Sani explained that the deployment of the EICS and AEI forms part of the Commission’s annual preventive strategy for MDAs. The tools assess adherence to ethical standards, financial transparency, administrative processes, and the overall effectiveness of ACTU operations.

“The Ethics and Compliance Scorecard evaluates MDAs across four key components: management structure and culture, financial management systems, administrative processes, and ACTU effectiveness,” Sani said. “These tools help identify gaps and strengthen internal mechanisms to prevent corruption.”

He added that ACTUs, which are embedded in all MDAs, play a critical role in sensitising staff on anti-corruption measures, monitoring internal ethics, and serving as a structured reporting channel in collaboration with the ICPC.

The engagement signals a renewed partnership between the NCS and ICPC as both agencies work towards building a more transparent and accountable public service. Under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs Service has prioritised integrity reforms as a cornerstone of its operations and service delivery.