ICPC, NCS Advocate for a Robust Collaborative Framework to Safeguard Public and National Revenue

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has underscored the critical necessity of integrity within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), advocating for a robust collaborative framework to protect public revenue and bolster governmental trust.
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The Commission articulated this stance during a high-level courtesy visit from the newly appointed Customs Area Controller for the Ondo/Ekiti Command, Deputy Comptroller Patience O. Ita, at the ICPC’s Ondo State headquarters in Akure.

During the meeting, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Ondo and Ekiti States, Mr. Tiku Andrew Menge, stressed that the NCS’s pivotal role in border management, enforcement, and trade facilitation renders ethical conduct paramount.

He warned that systemic revenue leakages and the abuse of regulatory powers not only erode public confidence but also critically impair the efficacy of state institutions, creating a fertile ground for corrupt practices.

Mr. Menge elaborated on the ICPC’s holistic preventive mandate, clarifying that its remit extends well beyond the investigation and prosecution of graft; further noting that the Commission is actively engaged in identifying systemic vulnerabilities and reinforcing institutional controls, thereby fostering an environment where corrupt activities are intrinsically difficult to initiate or sustain.

Highlighting the transformative potential of modernisation, the RACC advocated for the integration of technology, automation, and data-driven processes within Customs administration.

He explained that such advancements could significantly enhance traceability and accountability by curbing discretionary human intervention, though he cautioned that these measures must be underpinned by ethical leadership, rigorous supervision, and robust internal controls.

In a salient clarification, Mr. Menge asserted that the objectives of corruption prevention and trade facilitation are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, symbiotic. He argued that transparent and predictable Customs processes effectively diminish the appeal of informal channels, thereby cultivating a more reliable and secure environment for legitimate commercial ventures.

Proposing a strategic roadmap for future collaboration, the Commissioner suggested that both agencies could benefit from practical engagements in corruption-risk identification, integrity sensitisation, and stakeholder dialogue.

He emphasised that such cooperation should be guided by the overarching public interest, rather than fostering a hierarchical dynamic where one institution supervises the other, but rather leveraging their respective mandates for a common good.

In her response, Deputy Comptroller Ita affirmed that her visit was primarily to establish a constructive working relationship following her recent deployment.

ICPC, Customs

She expressed her command’s unequivocal readiness to sustain engagement with the Commission on matters of mutual concern, particularly in the realms of compliance, enforcement, and the effective administration of public services.

However, Mr. Menge concluded with a firm caveat, reminding all parties that collaborative ventures must not compromise the statutory independence of either institution.

His parting words served as a stark reminder of the fundamental principles underpinning their shared mission: “Partnership creates trust; it does not create immunity.”
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Navy Foils Reactivation of Illegal Refining Sites in Rivers, Recovers 360 Litres AGO

The Nigerian Navy has foiled an attempt to reactivate an illegal refining site in Rivers State, while recovering approximately 350 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) during an operation in the Okolomade general area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area.
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The operation by NNS SOROH on 6 September 2026 followed credible intelligence on the reactivation of illegal refining activities in the area. Suspected operators fled on sighting the naval team, leaving behind the illegally refined product and two wheelbarrows believed to have been used in its movement.

In a related operation, the Base revisited a previously disrupted illegal refining site in the Ogbogolo area and rendered remaining metallic ovens, storage tanks and associated infrastructure unusable, effectively closing avenues for their further exploitation by criminal operators.

The interventions demonstrate a shift from merely disrupting illegal refining activities to denying operators the infrastructure required to repeatedly revive their operations, thereby constraining the resilience of illicit petroleum networks in the area.

Nigerian Navy

ABIODUN FOLORUNSHO

Navy Captain

Director Naval Information

Nigerian Navy
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Goronyo Receives Egypt Defence Attaches, Assures Stronger Nigeria-Egypt Cooperation

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, Esq., has received the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, and his successor, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, in his office, pledging continued support for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.
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Goronyo, who received the Egyptian military delegation during a courtesy visit today 8th September, 2026 in his office in Abuja, described the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Egypt as cordial and mutually beneficial, noting that both countries share historical and cultural. The Minister of State recalled his previous encounter with the outgoing Defence Attaché while serving at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, noting that it was a pleasant coincidence to receive him again in his current capacity at the Ministry of Works as he prepares to conclude his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria.

He commended Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim for his service and contribution to strengthening Nigeria-Egypt relations during his tenure, particularly his demonstration of patriotism, discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty. According to him, the visit was significant as it not only provided an opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing Defence Attaché, but also to formally welcome his successor and assure him of Nigeria’s readiness to sustain the existing relationship.

Goronyo said the relationship between Nigeria and Egypt had continued to gain momentum under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with both countries exploring areas of mutual interest including trade, agriculture, tourism, security, education and economic development.

He said the growing partnership between the two countries demonstrated the importance of African nations working together to harness the continent’s enormous human and natural resources. He stressed that Africa had the population, resources and potential required to compete favourably with other continents, urging African countries to deepen cooperation and leverage their shared strengths for sustainable development.

He expressed optimism that the Memoranda of Understanding and other agreements reached between Nigeria and Egypt would continue to translate into tangible benefits for the citizens of both countries.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, and the entire management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, I sincerely welcome you and thank you for this visit.
“We wish the outgoing Defence Attaché the very best in his future assignments and welcome the incoming Defence Attaché.

On our part, we will continue to provide the necessary support to enable you to discharge your responsibilities effectively.
“Our doors remain open, and we will continue to support one another for the progress of our two countries and for the benefit of humanity,” Goronyo said.

Earlier, the outgoing Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the Minister of State for receiving him and his delegation, describing the meeting as particularly significant as he prepares to conclude his assignment in Nigeria. Colonel Ibrahim introduced the incoming Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, and said he was confident that the existing strong relationship between Egypt and Nigeria would be further strengthened under his successor.

He also disclosed that the Egyptian side had secured approval for the establishment of a Deputy Defence Attaché position, describing the development as another indication of the importance Egypt attaches to its bilateral and military relationship with Nigeria.

In his remarks, the incoming Egypt Defence Attaché, Colonel Mohamad Mosaad, expressed gratitude to the Minister of State for the warm reception and pledged to work towards deepening cooperation between Nigeria and Egypt. He said he was optimistic about his new assignment and looked forward to identifying more opportunities for collaboration, investment and exchange of capabilities between the two countries.

Goronyo

Colonel Mosaad noted that Nigeria and Egypt, as two major African countries, had a shared responsibility to contribute to the development and advancement of the continent through stronger partnerships. He expressed confidence that his tenure would further consolidate the longstanding friendship, cultural ties and cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting ended with renewed assurances of continued cooperation, mutual support and stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and Egypt.

Abdullahi Mohammed
SA Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works
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