The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to promote transparency and intensify the fight against corruption.
Speaking at a lecture organized by the NCS South Zone’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), the Customs Area Controller of PTML, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, urged officers to uphold transparency as a means of ensuring fairness and improving workplace productivity.
He emphasized that the modernization of the NCS, currently being implemented with transparency, is set to enhance revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations. Daniyan further reassured stakeholders of improved cargo clearance times, stating that the command is committed to beating its record of two-hour clearance for compliant Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) consignments—provided importers and agents adhere to sincere declarations and timely duty payments.
Comptroller Daniyan highlighted that over 80% of Customs operations are now automated, ensuring efficiency and accountability. He reiterated that all duties are paid directly into authorized banks, eliminating the possibility of revenue diversion.
Addressing misconceptions about Customs operations, he stated:
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains one of the most transparent government agencies in revenue collection. Auditors from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation frequently review our financial records to ensure compliance with government policies.”
Daniyan also encouraged officers to view regulatory agencies as partners rather than adversaries, urging them to embrace ethical conduct and contribute positively to the Service’s mandate.
During her lecture, Mrs. Mary Omonoyan, Chief Superintendent of the ICPC’s Public Enlightenment and Education Unit, emphasized the importance of accountability and ethical decision-making in public service.
She explained that under the ICPC Act of 2000, corruption encompasses bribery, fraud, forgery, impersonation, abuse of official property, over-invoicing, and sexual harassment—the latter of which has led to the establishment of a dedicated Sexual Harassment Unit at the national level.
Omonoyan noted that corruption often arises from discretionary actions in appointments, promotions, falsification of official records, and disciplinary processes. She urged public officers to report bribery transactions, as required under Section 23 of the ICPC Act.
She outlined ICPC’s three pillars of anti-corruption enforcement: enforcement, prevention, and public enlightenment.
To promote integrity, she noted that ICPC introduced the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, which assesses government agencies based on transparency and ethical conduct.
“Fostering transparency and accountability in public service builds public trust, enhances effectiveness, and promotes ethical conduct. Officers must practice integrity by making ethical decisions even when no one is watching,” she said.
She further urged Customs officers to report infractions, efficiently resolve public complaints, and uphold the Service’s mission and values. She also recommended the placement of suggestion boxes in the Command to encourage anonymous reporting of unethical practices.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Daniyan reaffirmed the PTML Command’s dedication to transparency, efficiency, and enhanced service delivery. He assured stakeholders that compliance with regulations and ethical standards remains a top priority in the Command’s operations.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to fostering a corruption-free Nigeria through enforcement, preventive measures, and public awareness campaigns.