By Inusa Ndahi, Maiduguri
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is to partner with the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Borno/Yobe command on intelligence sharing to identify corrupt individuals and public officials engaged in the smuggling of contraband goods.
Addressing journalists shortly after a sensitisation meeting with personnel of the service in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner overseeing Borno and Yobe states, Mr. Linus Gubbi, said the partnership was aimed at fighting corruption and promoting transparency in government.
According to him, the meeting form part of the agency’s advocacy activities for other agencies, departments and institutions of government on the impact of corruption in public service and in the development of the country.
He said “We can not develop as a nation without revenue and that is why we are here to partner and strengthen that bond between ICPC and the Custom Service so that we can have a country whereby the resources are efficiently use for the betterment of the citizens of the country.
“Once officers and men are educated and partnership is strengthened. There will be intelligence sharing especially on some corrupt individuals or the public that will want to cut corners or operate in contravention to the established status or the laws with the way they import contraband goods and other activities that will threaten the security of the nation” he stated.
Gubbi noted that the partnership will also enhance their capacity in the management of smuggled contraband products.
“As part of our mandate of enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment, this is among some of the sensitisation programme we have been carrying out in Government agencies, departments and other institutions of the government to educate ourselves on the issues of corrupt practices especially that has to do with custom service in a transparent and accountable way which they can verify declared access and goods that are contraband” he emphasised.
He, however called on members of the service to
to adhere to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability in their operation.
“Our call to the officers and men of the custom in Borno state is for them to do the right thing even when nobody is supervising them, they must adhere strictly on whatever they do to the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability and making sure that they abide by the guidelines and rules that have been set for them by their service” he said.
On his part, the Comptroller of Borno/Yobe Area command of the Nigeria Custom Service
A.M Idris commended the sensitisation, describing it as a reminder of the values of integrity and accountability expected in the service.
“The lecture underscores the commitment of the two agencies to collaborate and build the public service that can be trusted by Nigerians. Integrity and accountability are not options or burden, they form part and protect the reputation our service. Therefore, what they have come here to do, is to remind us, help us to identify vulnerabilities and at the same time, align ourselves with modern way of doing things” he said.
Idris explained that the gain from then partnership will further promote it’s operation in the interest of the states and the nation at large.
“You can hear from the vote of thanks from our officer, they are well informed, and I believe they will become ambassadors of integrity which will ultimately promote the Borno/Yobe command and the nation at large” he emphasised.
