Customs CGC Signs Anti-Corruption Risk-Mapping Framework, Orders Immediate Implementation

By Samuel Egbewole

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has signed a framework for identifying and addressing corruption risks within the Service, directing its immediate implementation across all zones, commands and units.

The framework comprises the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Internal Corruption Risk Analysis and Mapping (ICRAM), the ICRAM Handbook and the Integrity Action Plan (IAP).

The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, adding that the Comptroller-General also formally activated the ICRAM Steering Committee.

According to the statement, the framework is designed to provide practical guidance for identifying, assessing and mapping corruption risks across the Service’s regulatory, core Customs and administrative functions.

The initiative was developed through the efforts of an internal team in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and partner customs administrations, including His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom.

A pilot exercise conducted across seven Customs commands and units examined 66 processes to identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend measures to strengthen integrity and accountability.

The exercise covered Apapa, the Modern Model Auction Centre (MMAC), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Seme, the Customs Police Unit in Zone A, the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) Ruling Centre and the Procurement Unit.

The pilot produced an Integrity Action Plan containing 101 action items and 295 sub-action items to address identified risks and strengthen internal controls.

The proposed measures include greater automation of processes, improved supervision and accountability, stronger audit trails and traceability, segregation of duties, regular staff rotation, targeted training and enhanced controls over interactions between Customs officers and stakeholders.

Speaking on the initiative, Adewale Adeniyi said the documents resulted from a painstaking process involving the Service’s internal team and its international partners.

He said the framework would provide practical steps for mapping corruption risks across Customs operations, including activities at ports, border posts and airports.

With the directive for immediate implementation, the Service is expected to apply the procedures across its operational and administrative structures as part of efforts to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen safeguards against corruption.