The Nigerian Shippers Council (NCS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have concluded plans to hold a one-day summit with the theme ‘Zero Tolerance for Corruption in the Maritime Sector’ at the Banquest Hall, Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja, on Monday.
According to a letter signed by NSC Director, Special Duties, Samuel Vongtau, on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the Council, Hassan Bello, a copy of which was sighted by SHIPS & PORTS, the objective of the joint summit is to highlight the areas of corrupt practices in the maritime sector and collectively develop strategies to curb the menace threatening the economies of most African nations.
NSC said the summit, which is expected to have in attendance President Muhammadu Buhari and his Ghanaian counterpart, President Nana Akufo-Addo, is a collaborative effort involving other agencies in the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
“The maritime and transport sectors are strong catalyst for socio economic development of any nation particularly as it concerns businesses, markets, countries and people/citizens.
“Despite the gains recorded in the fight against corruption in all sectors of the economy, the maritime transport sector has remained vulnerable to unwholesome practices. Capital flight and fiscal leakages that have plagued the sector are worrisome.
“It is expected that a road map that would reduce considerably corrupt practices would be generated at the end of the summit as well as sustainable structures that will guarantee predictability, efficiency and transparency in the industry,” the Council said in the letter.
Also expected at the summit are maritime industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and financial institutions, among others.