Lagos, Nigeria – April 12, 2025 – On April 11, 2025, the Tincan Island Port Command (TCIPC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating corruption during a one-day Anti-Corruption Lecture in Lagos.
The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), organized the event.
Moreover, it emphasized a zero-tolerance policy toward unethical practices. Consequently, Deputy Controllers, Assistant Controllers, and heads of critical units—including Valuation, Customs Intelligence, Post Clearance Audit, and Customs Police—participated actively.
In his address, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, TCIPC’s Customs Area Controller, outlined the command’s strategic shift. He specifically emphasized prioritizing integrity and improving service delivery.
“We aim to build a 21st-century Customs system,” he declared, stressing stakeholder feedback as pivotal to refining operational strategies.
He praised officers for maintaining professionalism, asserting, “Corruption remains at zero tolerance here.” Furthermore, he reiterated TCIPC’s core mandates: revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, and national security.
Meanwhile, Assistant Controller Femi Awoniyi, ACTU Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, clarified the unit’s legal authority under Section 6(a-f) of the ICPC Act 2000. “ACTU investigates and detains officers but relies on ICPC for prosecution,” he explained, highlighting interagency collaboration. Adding to this, ICPC representative Mary Omonoyan underscored transparency’s role in bolstering public trust. “Accountability elevates institutional performance and national reputation,” she noted, urging ethical conduct across public sectors.
The interactive session sparked robust discussions, with participants proposing measures to strengthen compliance frameworks. By emphasizing ethical standards, the NCS aims to align with global best practices while combating illicit trade. Attendees unanimously endorsed the need for continuous training and stricter enforcement of anti-graft policies.
This collaborative effort reflects TCIPC’s resolve to foster a culture of integrity, ensuring seamless trade operations and safeguarding national interests. As the NCS navigates evolving challenges, its focus on transparency remains unwavering, promising enhanced public confidence. Through such initiatives, the service reinforces its role as a pillar of Nigeria’s economic stability and security.
Comptroller Onyeka concluded by urging officers to uphold their oath of service, stating, “Our credibility hinges on collective adherence to ethical principles.” The event marked a milestone in TCIPC’s ongoing reforms, signaling a renewed drive toward excellence. With sustained stakeholder engagement and institutional accountability, the NCS continues to chart a progressive path in governance.