Maritime Stakeholders Unite to Combat Corruption

By Lod Onyeji

In a significant step towards reforming the maritime industry, the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) has partnered with the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA) to tackle corruption and promote transparency.

The partnership was announced at the maiden edition of the CONMMEP Round Table, a monthly forum convening key maritime stakeholders to address pressing issues. High Chief Dr. Basil Chudi Nwolisa, President of NCJTFLCA, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the urgent need for industry reform and condemning corruption as a major obstacle to progress.

"Corruption increases the prices of goods and services, and if we do not address it, we risk leaving a legacy of despair for future generations," Dr. Nwolisa warned, emphasizing the detrimental effects of corrupt practices on the freight forwarding and logistics value chain.

Comrade Udo Onyeka, President of CONMMEP, aligned with Dr. Nwolisa's advocacy, vowing to collaborate with patriotic stakeholders to foster transparency and integrity. "We must be committed to fighting corruption within our ranks," he proclaimed, underscoring the collective responsibility to change the narrative in the maritime sector.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work collaboratively towards a corruption-free maritime sector. As stakeholders departed, there was a palpable sense of hope that, through unity and determination, the maritime industry could reclaim its integrity and make greater contributions to Nigeria's economy.

This partnership marks a significant step towards promoting a thriving, ethical maritime industry in Nigeria, and its impact is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders and observers alike.