The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability, stating that sustained institutional reforms under the current leadership are helping to curb corruption and promote ethical conduct among officers.
Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, made the remarks on the sidelines of the 4th Economic Confidential Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR) at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. The event was themed “Anti-Corruption Reforms, Economic Stability and Effective Communication.”
Maiwada said integrity remains a core pillar of the World Customs Organisation and that the NCS has aligned its operations with global best practices. He noted that the Service has conducted integrity perception surveys involving both internal and external stakeholders, with feedback guiding reforms, modernisation projects and inter-agency collaboration.
“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. Recently, the Code of Conduct Bureau visited the Service as part of efforts to strengthen ethical conduct among our officers,” Maiwada said.
Earlier, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu described corruption as a global challenge that distorts economies, fuels inequality and undermines national security. He stressed that the problem is neither unique to Nigeria nor Africa, pointing to international cases as evidence that corrupt practices cross national boundaries.
The awards segment saw Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), emerge as Young Communicator of the Year at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards.
Receiving the honour, Adeogun dedicated it to the Nigeria Customs Service and pledged continued commitment to 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,” she said.
Maiwada congratulated Adeogun, describing the recognition as a reflection of her 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 added.
Jury chairperson Professor Saudat Abdulbaqi said the awards have evolved beyond an annual recognition programme into a platform that promotes professionalism, effective communication and public trust.
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