ICPC, Customs partner to combat smuggling in Borno, Yobe

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has partnered with the Nigeria Customs Service, Borno/Yobe Area Command, on intelligence sharing to identify corrupt individuals and public officials involved in the smuggling of contraband goods.

Speaking to journalists after a sensitisation meeting with Customs personnel in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Linus Gubbi, said the partnership was aimed at combating corruption and promoting transparency in government.

According to him, the meeting formed part of the commission’s advocacy activities targeted at government agencies, departments and institutions on the impact of corruption on public service delivery and national development.

He said, “We cannot develop as a nation without revenue, and that is why we are here to partner and strengthen that bond between ICPC and the Customs Service so that we can have a country where resources are efficiently used for the betterment of citizens.

“Once officers are educated and the partnership is strengthened, there will be intelligence sharing, especially on corrupt individuals who seek to cut corners or operate in contravention of established laws through the importation of contraband goods and other activities that threaten national security.”

Gubbi noted that the partnership would also enhance the agencies’ capacity to manage and monitor smuggled contraband products.

“As part of our mandate of enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment, this sensitisation programme is one of several we have been carrying out in government agencies, departments and institutions to educate public servants on issues of corrupt practices, particularly those relating to the Customs Service, in a transparent and accountable manner, including the verification of declared assets and the identification of contraband goods,” he said.

He urged Customs personnel to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

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“Our call to officers of the Customs Service in Borno State is for them to do the right thing even when no one is supervising them. They must adhere to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure compliance with the rules and guidelines established by the service,” he added.

The Comptroller of the Borno/Yobe Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, A.M. Idris, commended the sensitisation programme, describing it as a timely reminder of the values expected of public servants.

“The lecture underscores the commitment of both agencies to collaborate in building a public service that Nigerians can trust.

“Integrity and accountability are neither optional nor burdensome; they are essential values that protect the reputation of our service.

“What they have come here to do is remind us of these values, help us identify vulnerabilities and align ourselves with modern standards of service delivery,” he said.

Idris expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen the command’s operations and contribute to national development.

“You heard from the vote of thanks delivered by one of our officers that they are well-informed. I believe they will become ambassadors of integrity, which will ultimately promote the Borno/Yobe Command and the nation at large,” he added.