Task Force Launches to Tackle Corruption in Maritime Sector
In a bid to eradicate corruption and promote transparency in Nigeria's maritime sector, the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA) has been launched. The task force aims to tackle illicit taxation, extortion by officials, and lack of transparent processes that hinder the efficient transportation of goods from ports and borders to their final destinations.
The launch event, which took place at the Rockview Hotel in FESTAC town, was attended by dignitaries, including traditional rulers, customs officials, and industry stakeholders. High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, National President of NCJTFLCA, noted that the organization is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and compliance in the clearing and forwarding industry.
According to Nwolisa, the NCJTFLCA will address the endemic corruption that has plagued the nation, particularly in the clearing and forwarding industry. He emphasized that the task force is not a political movement or an institution of aggression, but rather a registered advocacy group and pressure group committed to promoting transparency and accountability.
The NCJTFLCA's objectives include promoting transparency and accountability, protecting importers' and exporters' rights, addressing double taxation, and collaborating with regulatory agencies to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance.
Nwolisa called on relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to partner with the NCJTFLCA in promoting transparency, accountability, and compliance.
The chairman of the occasion, Chief Eric Illechukwu, President General, Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, noted that the launch of the NCJTFLCA represents a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of excellence, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
Illechukwu emphasized the importance of adhering to the highest standards of compliance, ethics, and professionalism, and called on the NCJTFLCA to work together to uphold the integrity of the profession, support the growth of the economy, and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Other dignitaries who attended the event included Brigadier General Muyiwa Okunowo (Rtd.), Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command, and Prince Africanus N. Ogudoro. The Founder of NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and the Pioneer President of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), Dr. Frank Ukor, also graced the occasion.
The executive committee members of the NCJTFLCA were sworn in, with High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa as president. Other members of the executive committee include Lawal Asaba, Vice President; Ezekiel Onuoha, General Secretary; Douglas Ikenna, Financial Secretary; Emeka Onyejeagbu, Treasurer; Barnabas Okoro, Legal Adviser; Alex Nwokedi, Public Relations Officer; and Dr. Emma Opara, Board of Trustees member.
The launch of the NCJTFLCA is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria's maritime sector. With its commitment to tackling corruption and promoting compliance, the task force is poised to make a positive impact on the industry.
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