CONTINUED EXTORTION AT ONNE PORT: NCJTFLCA CALLS FOR THOROUGH INVESTIGATION
By Mcanthony Onuoha
National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents- NCJTFLCA has called for thorough official inquiry into series of allegations of continued corruption and mindless extortion at Onne Port in River State.
According to a reliable source, “the allegations of corruption and extortion at Onne Port are alarming and warrants thorough investigation.”
“It is disturbing that containers are allegedly being held hostage due to exorbitant fees, with Customs officials collecting nearly N3 million in bribe and N2.5 million for Central authorities.”
As these disturbing reports of impunity and high-handedness trickle in, the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents-NCJTFLCA has proffered lasting solutions to the big issue.
Speaking with Journalists in Lagos over the weekend, the Zonal Coordinator of National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents- NCJTFLCA, Eastern Ports, Comrade Joseph Onuzulike,
said, “to address this issue, the Federal Government of Nigeria should indeed investigate these claims. Fortunately, there are existing efforts to combat corruption in Nigerian Ports.
For instance, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC) have jointly established a Port Standing Task Team to ensure standard procedures are followed in ports transactions.”
Onuzulike emphasized the need to fully involve key stakeholders in the struggle to curb corruption at the ports. According to him, “ICPC is the lead anti- corruption agency that can investigate and prosecute corrupt practices, while the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is responsible for implementing Customs procedures and policies.”
” The Nigerian Shipper’s Council regulates ports activities while the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) oversees ports operations and management.”
“NCJTFLCA as an advocacy group, recommends a thorough probe into the allegations. There is need for transparency; we must ensure that there is clear and standardized procedures for container clearance.”
“There has to be accountability. Service providers and public officers must be held accountable for corrupt practices.”
” NCJTFLCA recommends stakeholder engagement to foster collaboration aimed at preventing future occurrences. By taking these steps, the government can help eliminate corruption and ensure a more efficient port system”. Onuzulike insisted.
