Ethical conduct, key to national development, trade growth – ACG tells personnel

The Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG), Nsikan Patrick-Umoh, has urged officers and men of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command to uphold the institution’s reputation and ensure the highest ethical conduct.

Patrick-Umoh, who is the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone B Headquarters, Kaduna, gave the charge during her visit to the command on Friday in Sokoto.

She described reputation and ethical conduct as critical pillars for effective public service delivery, security, and national development.

The ACG underscored the importance of reputation management and the highest ethical conduct in discharging duties, while stressing the need for personnel to adhere to stipulated and legitimate responsibilities.

According to her, the reputation of the Service depends on the integrity, discipline, and professionalism of each officer, noting that acts of compromise or misconduct by a few individuals can erode public trust built over years.

“The Comptroller-General of Customs is driving reforms to modernise our operations and facilitate trade.

“But no reform can succeed without officers who are disciplined and committed to national interest.

“I urge you to be firm but fair, be courteous to compliant traders, and remain uncompromising against smugglers. Let your character bring honour to the uniform,” the ACG stated.

She called on critical stakeholders, including importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, among others, to maintain trust, transparency, and integrity in their dealings with customs.

She emphasised that collaboration remained key to boosting legitimate trade, improving revenue collection, and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.

“National development requires all hands on deck. When stakeholders comply with trade laws and Customs officers act with integrity, we reduce bottlenecks, promote non-oil exports, and strengthen our GDP,” she added.

In his response, the Area Controller of the Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Comptroller Aliyu Isa-Ndako, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to an open-door policy, stakeholder partnership, and efficient service delivery.

The Newsmen report that during the visit interactive sessions with officers and representatives of trade associations were entertained towards ensuring ease of doing business and seamless trade facilitation.