Determined to boost trade, the nation’s maritime sector has unveiled a new taskforce named ‘National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents’.

The advocacy group launched in Lagos aims to ensure compliance and eliminate corruption in the clearing and forwarding industry.

The group, which comprises experienced maritime practitioners, logistics experts, and trade leaders, is positioning itself as a watchdog committed to ensuring that regulatory guidelines are strictly followed.

Speaking during the launch in Lagos recently, the president of NCJTFLCA, Dr Basil Nwolisa, explained that the task force is not a political movement, “but a legitimate pressure group advocating for fair trade.”

He highlighted the need to challenge exploitative practices such as double taxation by shipping companies and terminal operators, who charge both demurrage and rent on the same container.

According to him, the group’s objectives include curbing smuggling, exposing fraudulent activities, and holding government officials accountable for unethical practices.

He said with a firm stance against economic sabotage, the group aims to restore credibility and efficiency to port operations.

“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,” he said.

Earlier, the President-General, Association of Progressive Traders, Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, Eric Ilechukwu, praised the initiative, emphasising that professionalism and voluntary compliance are crucial to fostering a transparent trade environment.

Ilechukwu encouraged industry players to embrace ethical business practices, noting that this milestone represents a significant step forward in the collective pursuit of excellence, transparency and accountability within the industry.