In a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability within public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command to organize a workshop designed for senior officers. The event aimed to reinforce the principles of good governance and ethical conduct among public servants.
During the workshop, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability as foundational elements of effective governance. He stated, “Transparency and accountability are essential pillars that support good governance. They are not just ideals but practical tools that enable us to build trust with stakeholders and achieve our objectives.”
Olomu noted that under the leadership of Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, the Customs Service has prioritized stakeholder engagement as a key strategy. He added, *“The role of Customs under the distinguished leadership of the Comptroller General has shifted towards fostering stronger relationships with stakeholders. This approach has been instrumental in driving our success in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.”* He further observed that transparency and accountability are at the heart of the Customs’ principles, which have led to strategic alliances and significant achievements.
Representing the ICPC Lagos Resident Commissioner, Mrs. Florence Bariboloka outlined the qualities of a transparent and accountable public servant. She said, “A transparent and accountable public servant must provide answers and respond to all mails, messages, and requests in a timely manner. They must take responsibility for their actions, proactively solve problems, and avoid blaming others or making excuses for failures.”
She emphasized that Customs officers should be defined by their commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability. “Customs officers are entrusted with significant responsibilities, and it is crucial that they carry out these duties with the highest level of integrity. This means being transparent in their actions and accountable for their decisions,” she added.
The workshop facilitator underscored the importance of prompt service delivery and adherence to the Customs code of conduct. She remarked, “Demonstrating commitment to prompt service delivery and observing the code of conduct and ethics of Customs are critical to entrenching transparency and accountability. Officers must also show humility and be willing to apologize for any wrongdoings.”
She also highlighted the value of recognizing and rewarding officers who exhibit exemplary conduct. “Recognizing and rewarding officers who distinguish themselves with good conduct not only motivates them but also enhances transparency in the workplace. It sets a standard for others to follow,” she said.
Additionally, the Assistant Commissioner encouraged the Apapa Customs Command to adopt the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, a tool already adopted by over 280 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide. She stated, “The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard has proven to be an effective tool in promoting ethical standards and accountability. I encourage the Apapa Command to adopt this initiative to further strengthen its operations.”
This initiative is expected to further enhance ethical standards and accountability within the organization, aligning with the broader goals of the workshop to promote good governance and public trust.
