Customs, ICPC Partner to Curb Smuggling, Boost Revenue Through Transparent Enforcement
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to strengthen its revenue generation efforts through transparent and accountable enforcement mechanisms, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
This commitment was reinforced during an inter-agency engagement session held on Wednesday at the Unit’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos.
Comptroller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Mohammed Shuaibu, said the forum was a crucial platform to foster synergy between both agencies for the collective good of the nation.
“It’s all about the nation, and we are trying to see what we can do for Nigeria,” Shuaibu said. “We pray that our gathering will also forge a very successful and stronger tie with the Lagos Zone here and Nigeria as a whole.”
Representing the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the ICPC, Alexander Chukwurah, Chief Superintendent Mary Omonoyan, underscored the importance of integrity in enforcement operations. She emphasized that Customs plays a critical role in national development through its fight against smuggling and efforts to prevent revenue losses.
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“Customs enforcement is a vital pillar in national economic development. By ensuring compliance with trade regulations and safeguarding our borders, the Nigeria Customs Service contributes strategically to protecting national interests,” Omonoyan said.
She added that enforcement must be built on transparency and accountability to earn public trust and ensure sustainable impact.
“Together, with the collaboration of the ICPC, we’re not only shaping a more effective Customs Service, but building a beacon of integrity, innovation and excellence that others can emulate,” she noted.
In a presentation titled “Leveraging Customs Enforcement to Enhance Revenue Generation with Transparency and Accountability: An ICPC Perspective,” Principal Superintendent Hadiza Rimi echoed similar sentiments. She said transparency and accountability are essential, not just as ethical ideals but as practical approaches to enhancing performance in Customs operations.
“Within the Nigeria Customs Service, integrating these values results in high compliance, fewer leakages, and increased public trust,” Rimi said.
The engagement session concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of both agencies’ commitment to aligning enforcement strategies with national economic goals, while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and public accountability.
By PRNigeria
