National Compliance Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents Inaugurated to Reform Maritime Industry
National Compliance Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents Inaugurated to Reform Maritime Industry
In a significant move to address corruption, inefficiencies, and regulatory challenges within Nigeria’s maritime industry, the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (N.C.J.T.F.L.C.A) has been inaugurated. The newly formed body aims to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance within the sector, ensuring a more efficient and corruption-free system for importers, exporters, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the inauguration, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa, the National President, emphasized the taskforce’s commitment to tackling corruption, particularly within terminal operations and the Nigerian Customs Service. He highlighted concerns regarding customs officers operating in unauthorized areas and engaging in corrupt practices such as demanding bribes from importers and exporters.
“Our main objective is to ensure that the regulations governing importers and exporters are protected,” Dr. Nwolisa stated. “We are committed to fighting corruption in terminal operations and questioning why customs officials are still operating in restricted areas. The law requires them to be at least 40 kilometers away.”
Beyond regulatory compliance, the taskforce is also set to address the issue of unroadworthy vehicles used for container transportation. Dr. Nwolisa noted that such vehicles contribute to shipment delays and financial losses for importers. The taskforce plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce strict vehicle standards to improve efficiency within the sector.
Dr. Nwolisa called on other industry stakeholders, including market associations, transportation, packaging, and logistics groups, to join hands in ensuring a corruption-free maritime industry. He also extended an invitation to law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies, including 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), among others, to collaborate in the fight against corruption.
“We cannot do this job alone,” Dr. Nwolisa emphasized. “Together, we can create a system that benefits all Nigerians by fostering transparency, accountability, and compliance.”
Newly Inaugurated Leaders Commit to Industry Reforms
During the inauguration, Eze Sunday Ojukwu of Amuwo Odofin urged the taskforce to ensure the continued progress of the maritime industry. He emphasized that the newly formed team must work to eliminate exploitative practices by shipping lines, customs, and other maritime agencies.
The newly integrated Vice President, Mr. Lawal Adaba, expressed concerns about the passive approach of maritime workers regarding their rights. He highlighted that the taskforce was created to address the longstanding issues affecting licensed clearing agents.
“The maritime workers have been too passive about their rights,” Mr. Adaba noted. “This joint taskforce is here to address those issues and correct the loopholes affecting the industry.”
He assured stakeholders that the taskforce would collaborate closely with industry players to develop better trade facilitation strategies. He stressed the importance of ensuring that all vehicles transporting goods from ports meet road safety standards and adhere to industry regulations.
“Our goal is to educate stakeholders on the proper procedures and ensure compliance with industry regulations,” he added. “We are here to create a system that allows clearing agents to work efficiently without unnecessary bottlenecks.”
A New Chapter for the Maritime Industry
As the taskforce embarks on its mission, its leaders reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and industry best practices. The taskforce will work to eliminate corruption, enforce regulatory compliance, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to create a more effective and ethical maritime industry.