NCJTFCLA Inaugurates Seme Border Chapter to Address Freight Forwarding Corruption
By Arikawe Femi
In a decisive effort to combat corruption and inefficiency in Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector, the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJTFCLA) has inaugurated its Seme Border Chapter. This marks a significant expansion of its nationwide reform initiative.
The event took place at Sycomore Hotel in Ajara Topa, Badagry, and attracted a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, traditional leaders, security operatives, and community representatives, all committed to restoring integrity and professionalism to border logistics.
In his keynote address, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa, the National President of NCJTFCLA and President of the Association of Joint Customs Brokers, urged clearing agents to embrace transparency and reject corrupt practices. “We must adhere to the rules and regulations of our industry. Cutting corners only harms us. We need a new generation of freight forwarders grounded in transparency and legitimacy,” he stated.
In a post-event interview, Chief Nwolisa described previous compliance levels as “very poor” but expressed optimism about the chapter’s potential to drive change. He mentioned that the organization would deploy a special task force to work with the chapter and monitor progress, adding, “We will take it one step at a time until we achieve a certain level of compliance.”
Comrade Adamu Sambo, Chairman of the newly inaugurated Seme Border Chapter, emphasized that the task force was not there to disrupt existing structures but to eliminate unethical practices and promote lawful trade. “We have come not to fight anyone, but to combat disorder, corruption, and unethical practices. Our aim is collaboration, not conflict,” he explained. He urged members to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability in all operations.
Mr. Lawal Mamudu Adaba, National Vice President of NCJTFCLA, highlighted the negative effects of corruption on the economy. “If importers are demanding change, we must listen. Inefficiency costs consumers. Our task force aims to bridge the gap and harmonize trade,” he stated. He also noted that NCJTFCLA now operates four chapters: Tincan, Apapa, International Airport, and Seme Border.
A significant highlight of the event was the formal induction of the Seme Border task force team. Each member was called forward and presented with a Certificate of Office, symbolizing their mandate to enforce compliance and ethical standards. This presentation was met with applause and encouragement from the attendees.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and institutional representatives. Assistant Superintendent of Customs Sani Mahmud, representing Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo of the Seme Area Command, commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance. “Clearing agents must follow established rules. Integrity should guide their actions,” he stated.
CSP Agosile Folajimi, Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Division, also made a brief yet impactful statement. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize societal interests over personal gain. “While we are all looking to make money, we must put the interests of society first,” he remarked. He praised NCJTFCLA for involving security agencies and promoting transparency, adding, “May God continue to empower you and your members to accomplish even more.”
Traditional leaders were represented by HRM Dr. Abiodun Whedoku Patinvo, Aholu of Yafin Kingdom, and Maammed Faisal Ali, Serkin Hausawa of Badagry West Seme Border, highlighting the cultural legitimacy and grassroots support for this initiative.
Representatives from the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), business leaders, transport union executives, and members of trade associations also attended, demonstrating broad-based support for NCJTFCLA’s mission.
The launch of the Seme Border Chapter signifies NCJTFCLA’s ongoing commitment to sanitizing Nigeria’s logistics and freight forwarding industry. With corruption and illegal practices posing threats to economic growth and border security, the work of the task force is both timely and essential. As the newly inaugurated team begins its operations, stakeholders across the region hope that this initiative will herald a new era of lawful trade, efficiency, and national development.
