By Ifeoma Ikem
Dr Basil Nwaolisa, president, the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Clearing Agent (NCITFLCA) says Nigerians must fight corruption at all levels for the progress of the nation.
Nwolisa said this over the week during the launch of his book titled `The Toll of Corruption In Ngeria: A Maritime Perspective.
“For Nigeria to bounce back to her glory every one of us must see corruption as the enemy that is behind the lack of progress of the country and it needs to be tackle.
“Corruption in Nigerian has become common place and if nothing is done Nigeria’s sovereignty will become a thing of the past’’.
He frowned at some law enforcement practices where importers are subjected to multiple illegal checkpoints and arbitrary.
“Corruption has become the norm, corrupt influential people go scot free but when ordinary people are involved that is when law enforcement authorities will come out to show that they are fighting corruption,’’ he added.
“Some cargos or containers released are often re-intercepted after clearing them from the ports making traders incur loses on perishable goods over delay by customs and police teams at the highway’’.
Nwaolisa reiterated that his book is not an academic exercise but a doctrine of necessity to awaken Nigerians to fight corruption at all levels.
Dr Chris Banye, a former Comproller of Customs added that the corruption that freight forwarders experience in the industry if not checked will drive importers to other Africa country to business.
“Corruption in customs and other sister agencies has damaged the reputation of the giant of African both economically and socially and this needs to be exposed.
“If freight forwarders must fight corruption, they will need to unite under one umbrella to confront the extortions.
“How can a container duly cleared by Customs Area Controller be subjected to another interference by other sister agencies,’’ he queried.
The Chairman of the event Chief Ernest Elochukwu, who was represented by Comrade Ben Ndee condemned the continuous harassment and exhortations of freight forwarders.
“Freight forwarders who have duly made every necessary duties payment should not be disrupted during their vehicular movement to other interstate’’.
He advised stakeholders to rise up for their rights and fight corruption.
