NATIONAL COMPLIANCE JOINT TASK FORCE VOWS TO RID PORTS INDUSTRY OF CORRUPTION
*** Solicits stakeholders’ collaboration
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The National Compliance Joint Taskforce Force of Licensed Clearing Agents- NCJTFLCA has called on Licensed Clearing agents and maritime stakeholders to be resolute in fighting corruption in the sector.
Speaking to the Prestige Magazine Online on Thursday, the National President of NCJTFLCA, High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, said that, “the persistent downward trend in the maritime sector’s leadership and development has undoubtedly taken a toll on the Morales of maritime practitioners. The prevalence of failures and fraudulent activities has fostered a sense of hopelessness, leading many to believe that redemption is impossible.”
“However, I firmly believe that this pessimistic outlook is misplaced. As the saying goes, “the darkest hour is just before dawn.” No matter how bleak the situation may seem, I have faith that a brighter future is within our grasp.”
According to Nwolisa, “the redemption of the maritime sector is a collective responsibility that requires the efforts of every single one of us. It’s time for us to join forces, roll up our sleeves, and work towards a common goal.”
“Let us not be discouraged by the challenges that lie ahead. Instead, let us draw strength from our shared determination to revive the maritime sector and restore its integrity. Together, we can overcome the obstacles and create a better future for ourselves and generations to come.”
“The Redemption of the Maritime, Freight Forwarding and Transport Logistics sector is possible. And l want to urge every port user to be part of it, a tree can not make a forest. The notion that the maritime and freight forwarding industry in Nigeria is beyond redemption is a pessimistic view that I vehemently disagree with. History has shown us that transformation is possible with determination and collective effort.”
“We can draw inspiration from the American Revolution, where the courageous efforts of the Minutemen played a pivotal role in securing independence from British rule. Similarly, Malaysia’s remarkable economic ascent from a weak nation to a robust one is a testament to the power of strategic planning and collective action. Singapore’s impressive economic growth and international recognition also demonstrate that a nation can achieve greatness through visionary leadership, hard work, and a commitment to transparency and anti-corruption.”
Going further, Nwolisa said, “in Nigeria, we have the potential to replicate these success stories in the maritime sector and freight forwarding business. However, this requires a paradigm shift in our leadership and a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption.
For too long, our industry has been plagued with ineffective leadership, corruption, and a lack of vision. It is time for us to reclaim our industry and restore its integrity. We owe it to ourselves, our nation, and future generations to strive for excellence and make a meaningful impact on the global stage.”
“I firmly believe that with a collective effort, we can overcome the current challenges and create a thriving maritime and freight forwarding industry that makes Nigeria proud. Let us rise to the challenge and work together towards a brighter future.”
According to Nwolisa, “we should understand that bench mark is not a legal system and that the duty regime using bench mark as a yardstick is illegal.
Cargoes are grossly overcharged in a bid to achieve government revenue targets . The concept of over taxation is to box importers to the corner. This is among the rots we must address for our collective good.”
“The use of benchmark values in determining duties and taxes is not grounded in law. This approach has led to the gross overcharging of cargoes, as customs officials prioritize meeting government revenue targets over fair and accurate assessments. Over-taxation effectively boxes importers into a corner, forcing them to comply with arbitrary demands.
To combat corruption in customs methodologies, we must adopt more meaningful and transparent approaches. This could include:
Implementing accurate valuation methods, such as using transaction values or verifiable market prices; streamlining customs procedures to reduce bureaucracy and opportunities for corruption; providing training and resources to customs officials to enhance their skills and knowledge, and encouraging transparency and accountability in customs operations. By adopting these measures, we can reduce the opportunities for corruption and ensure that customs procedures are fair, efficient, and effective.”
Recall that the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents- NCJTFLCA was inaugurated on Friday, 28th of March, 2025 to protect and promote the image, fame and integrity of all affiliated cooperate bodies in all their business activities with Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies concerned with business of freight forwarding in Nigeria. And to identify and expose those undermining the economic growth of the country and bring them to book. The aforementioned among many others are what the group is poised to address.
Meanwhile, the National President of NCJTFLCA, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa, called on all stakeholders to join the movement, saying that the only way to surmount an ugly situation is to confront it headlong. And assured that NCJTFLCA would definitely change the narrative.
