The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have partnered to promote transparency and accountability among customs officers.
Speaking at a sensitization programme on Transparency and Accountability in Public Service held for senior officers at Apapa command on Thursday, Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu,emphasized that transparency and accountability are essential pillars that support good governance and ensure that public servants act in the best interests of the citizens they serve.
He said, “Transparency & Accountability are the cornerstone of effective and responsible administration.
“Therefore, this lecture comes at a critical time when our nation is striving to strengthen its institutions to promote a culture of uprightness in the Public sector.
“As we engage in today’s discussions, I encourage everyone to share insights and perspectives that will help us strengthen our commitment to these principles. Together, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable public service that upholds the values of ethics, responsibility and professionalism.”
Olomu noted that transparency and accountability are at the core of Customs operation, which have led to sttrong stakeholder relationships and successes in revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts.
He expressed confidence that the collaboration with the ICPC will be fruitful and impactful, contributing to a more ethical, responsible and professional public service.
On her part, the representative of the Resident Commissioner for ICPC Lagos and Head of Operations, Lagos, Mrs. Florence Bariboloka,noted that absence of transparency and accountability in public service is a by- product of corruption, which has generally been adjudged as the most singular factor militating against the country’s quest for rapid economic development.
She highlighted some qualities of a transparent and accountable public servant including honesty, providing answers and responding to all mails, messages and request at the appropriate time; taking responsibility for actions; proactively solving problems; not blaming or making excuses for failures; among others.
She added that Customs officers should be defined as someone who performed their duties with integrity, transparency and accountability.
The ICPC boss added that prompt service delivery and adherence to the Customs code of conduct and ethics, humility, and acknowledging mistakes are all essential elements of transparency and accountability.
She also suggested that recognizing and rewarding officers for good conduct further enhances workplace transparency.
She encouraged the Apapa Customs Command to adopt the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, which has already been implemented in over 280 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) nationwide.
