Transparency and Accountability in Public Service: Tin Can Island Command and ICPC Collaborate

Transparency and Accountability in Public Service: Tin Can Island Command and ICPC Collaborate

By prince Benson Davies

The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), recently hosted a training lecture on transparency and accountability in public service. The event, held on April 11, 2025, at the Command Headquarters, brought together officers from the ICPC and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to promote ethical practices and integrity among public servants. Comptroller Frank Onyeka emphasized the importance of discipline, transparency, and accountability, stating that these values are non-negotiable in the customs service.

Welcoming participants, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, acknowledged the vital role of ICPC and ACTU in promoting transparency and stated that the Nigeria Customs Service has established robust mechanisms to detect and discipline corrupt officers. “Discipline, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable values in our operations,” he remarked.

The session was introduced by Assistant Comptroller Owoniyi, Coordinator of ACTU in Customs Zone A, who gave a brief preamble and reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to building an ethical culture within the service.

Mrs. Mary Omonoyan, guest speaker from ICPC’s Department of Public Enlightenment and Education, delivered a compelling lecture on the necessity of transparency and accountability in public offices. She emphasized that public trust is built on openness and that ethical behavior is key to efficient governance.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director in charge of operations in the Lagos office of ICPC, Dr. Florence Bari, addressed the far-reaching effects of corruption in the public sector, with a particular focus on lateness to duty and unethical practices in public procurement. She urged officers to serve with integrity, stressing that corruption undermines public service delivery and weakens institutional credibility.

The lecture concluded with an interactive session, encouraging officers to share ideas and strategies for strengthening transparency within their departments.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Tincan Island Port Command and ICPC to entrench accountability and ethical standards in public service.