A new book titled The Toll of Corruption in Nigeria, authored by maritime expert and social commentator, Dr Basil Nwolisa, has sparked renewed debate on the pervasive impact of corruption in Nigeria and the urgent need for collective national action.
The book was unveiled in Lagos on Thursday at a well attended ceremony that drew maritime stakeholders, civil society advocates, and members of the media. Guests described the work as a courageous expose of Nigeria’s longstanding governance challenges, particularly in the maritime sector.
The event was chaired by Chief Sir Ernest Elochukwu and Prince Olayiwola Shittu, both former Presidents of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
In his address, Dr. Nwolisa, who also serves as President of the Association of Nigerian Custom Brokers and the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Client Agents, explained that the seven-year research project was born out of deep concern over the entrenched culture of corruption in Nigeria.
“Corruption in Nigeria has become commonplace. If nothing is done now, Nigeria will be history,” he warned.
Citing examples from port operations, clearing and forwarding processes, and law enforcement practices, Nwolisa recounted instances where importers and freight forwarders are subjected to multiple illegal checkpoints, arbitrary charges, and systemic extortion. He described corruption as “authority fighting authority,” lamenting how legitimate cargo releases are often re-intercepted by different Customs units or police teams.
He added that the consequences extend beyond maritime trade, pointing to farmers and traders whose perishable goods are often lost due to police delays and extortions on highways.
Presenting the book, author and cultural advocate Mr. Edwin ChukwudireObi emphasized that corruption is deeply embedded in Nigeria’s foundation.
“Our constitution itself is corrupt. Every government that comes is talking about changing it. The Nigerian factor people speak of is simply corruption,” ChukwudireObi argued. He praised Dr. Nwolisa for kindling a fight that must now be sustained collectively.
Reviewer of the book, Dr. Chris Banye, a former Customs Comptroller, classified corruption into perpetrators, methods, and consequences. He urged freight forwarding associations to unite under CRFFN and confront extortion collectively.
“This is not a fight one person can finish. Only through unity can we stop illegal checkpoints and restore integrity to our profession,” he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Ben Ndee, representing the event’s Chairman, condemned the persistent harassment of importers and freight forwarders despite duly paid Customs duties. He challenged stakeholders to assert their rights through the courts.
“A cargo duly released by a Customs Area Controller should not face further interference. Continuous interception on highways is pure extortion. We must rise to defend our rights,” he maintained.
Dr. Nwolisa stressed that his book is not merely an academic effort but “a doctrine of necessity” to awaken Nigerians to resist corruption at all levels. He also disclosed plans to use the platform of the National Joint Task Force Against Corruption to create awareness and galvanize collective action.
Stakeholders at the launch agreed that unless corruption in trade and governance is confronted head-on, the maritime sector and Nigeria’s economy at large will continue to suffer setbacks.
The event, which held in Festac Town, was anchored by Ozor Pius Ujubuonu Chukwudum, former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), alongside McAnthony Onuoha, publisher of The Prestige magazine, who both served as Masters of Ceremony.