DEFIANTS JITTERY, AS NATIONAL COMPLIANCE JOINT TASK FORCE EMERGES
By Mcanthony Onuoha
There is heightened tension sweeping through the maritime industry as National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents-NCJTFLCA springs into action to forestall economic sabotage and sundry shenanigans.
The Advocacy group was officially inaugurated on Friday, 28th of March, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
The group’s aims and objectives include; 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 the business of freight forwarding in Nigeria. To identify and expose those undermining the economic growth of the country and bring them to book. To intercept and cause to be confiscated, any smuggled, unlawful or illegal goods, and ensure that the culprits are apprehended by the relevant security or law enforcement agencies. To pursue, arrest, detain and prosecute corrupt government officials within the Port and entry point to Nigeria within the boundaries of our laws in Nigeria. It consists of maritime practitioners, market leaders and logistics experts.
NCJTFLCA also has the power to pursue the sanction of erring organizations, cooperate bodies , individuals and officials of government seen to be corrupt, and operating in suspicious ways that could spike civil unrest and disobedience from members and corporate entities within the various groups in the industry. The aforementioned, among many others, are what the group is poised to address.
The well organized event was chaired by Chief Eric llechukwu (Akunwafo), President General , Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, and Chairman, Stakeholders Association of Trade Fair International Market.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Eric llechukwu, ably represented by Business Man, Greater- Stanley Chidum, said he was delighted to be part of the event. In his words, ” this milestone represents a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of excellence, transparency, and accountability within the industry.”
“As licensed Clearing agents, we recognize the vital role you play in facilitating international trade and commerce. We also acknowledge the importance of adhering to the standards of compliance, ethics, and professionalism.”
” I know that one of your aims is to promote a culture of voluntary compliance, share best practices, and collaborate with regulatory agencies to address emerging challenges and opportunities”, he stated.
In his welcome address, the National President of NCJTFLCA, High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa (Abadikeogu), expressed gratitude to Almighty God for making the event possible. ” I want to remind you that our organization is neither a political movement nor an institution of aggression. Rather, we are a registered advocacy group and a pressure group, committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and compliance in the clearing and forwarding subsector.”
“Our main objective is to address the endemic corruption that has plagued our nation, particularly in the clearing and forwarding industry. We want to ensure that the rules and regulations governing our industry are adhered to, and that the rights of importers and exporters are protected.”
” We are committed to tackling the issue of double taxation by shipping companies and terminal operators, who charge both demurrage and rent on the same container. We will also be asking questions about why the Federal Operation Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service is still operating near the ports, despite the laws that established it stating that they should be at least 40 kilometers away,” Nwolisa stated.
Meanwhile feelers from the maritime industry after the inauguration, was that of obvious tension emanating from palpable fear, as clearing agents, importers, staff of government agencies, officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service averse to compliance had different opinions about the emergence of the group.
The Founder of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders-NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, and the Pioneer National President of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), Dr. Frank Ukor, were among dignitaries that graced the event.
Speaking, Dr. Aniebonam applauded the President of the group and his team for what he described as a noble initiative. On behalf of NAGAFF, he pledged support and assured them of NAGAFF’s collaboration. According to Dr. Aniebonam, ” you do not need anyone’s permission to do the right thing, by doing so means you are bound to fail.”
Other personalities present were the Royal Fathers of the Day, HRM. Oba Sejiro James, the Aholu of Kweme Kingdom, HRH, Eze Steve S. Etolue(KSM), Eze Igbo of Badagry, and two other traditional rulers.
