The Nigeria Customs Service has initiated a nationwide survey to assess perceptions and experiences of its officers and stakeholders regarding corruption, transparency, and integrity within the Service. The 2026 Customs Integrity Perception Survey, approved by Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, is conducted in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation under its Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion Programme. This exercise aims to obtain candid feedback from officers and stakeholders on integrity and anti-corruption issues.
The survey, which started on September 28, 2026, will run until October 9, 2026, and is designed to support the Service's efforts to strengthen its integrity mechanisms and improve operational processes. A directive issued to Customs Public Relations Officers across the commands stated that the exercise would provide the Service with a better understanding of the perceptions, experiences, and views of officers and stakeholders on integrity, transparency, and anti-corruption within the NCS. The survey is anonymous, and officers and men are encouraged to participate actively and provide honest responses based on their experiences.
The Nigeria Customs Service emphasized that the credibility of the exercise largely depends on the quality of the feedback received. Officers and men will participate through a dedicated online survey platform, while eligible stakeholders will access a separate platform using one-time passwords provided through the Customs Public Relations Units. The Service disclosed that 5,000 OTPs had been generated for the stakeholder component of the exercise, and designated quantities of the OTPs will be made available through the Public Relations Unit at Headquarters, Zonal Offices, and Area Commands.
The stakeholders targeted include licensed customs agents, importers, exporters, bonded warehouse and terminal operators, shipping lines and airline operators, free trade zone operators, excise traders, and transporters. Command PROs were directed to ensure that the OTPs allocated to their respective Commands are properly managed and distributed to eligible stakeholders who have been mobilized to participate in the survey. They are also required to work closely with their respective Customs Area Controllers and relevant operational units to ensure effective mobilization throughout the survey period.
The role of the Command PROs is critical to the success of this exercise, as they are tasked with sensitizing officers and stakeholders, sharing the appropriate survey links, distributing OTPs, and encouraging eligible participants to complete the exercise. They are also instructed to remind officers and stakeholders of the October 9 closing date and liaise with Customs Area Controllers and relevant units to maximize participation. The Service described the survey as a "Service-wide integrity and institutional improvement initiative."
Broad participation in the survey will help ensure that the findings reflect the experiences of officers and stakeholders across its various operational environments. The quality and breadth of participation will contribute to generating valuable feedback for the continuous improvement of NCS operations, strengthening of integrity mechanisms, and reinforcement of public confidence in the Service. The outcome of the exercise will contribute to improving its operations and strengthening public confidence.
The Nigeria Customs Service's initiative is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability within the Service. By engaging with its officers and stakeholders, the Service aims to identify areas requiring improvement in its operations and strengthen its integrity mechanisms. The survey's findings will be crucial in informing the Service's future strategies and interventions to promote integrity and anti-corruption.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced a nationwide survey to gauge perceptions and experiences of its officers and stakeholders on corruption, transparency, and integrity within the Service.
- The survey is being conducted in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation under its Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion Programme.
- The exercise aims to obtain candid feedback from officers and stakeholders on integrity and anti-corruption issues.
