By Sandra Chukwunyere In a bid to tackle the endemic corruption in Nigeria, Dr. Basil Nwolisa, President of the Association of Nigeria Customs Brokers and the National Compliance Joint Task Force of Licensed Customs Agents (NCJTFLCA), has unveiled a comprehensive handbook aimed at empowering citizens to reject “socialized corruption.”
The book, which has been well-received by the public, is a call to action for Nigerians to rise against the menace of corruption and demand transparency and accountability from those in power.
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Dr. Nwolisa described “socialized corruption” as a cancer that is eating deep into the fabric of Nigerian society, warning that if left unchecked, it could lead to the collapse of the nation.
He noted that systemic extortion and abuse have become normalized, with citizens being harassed, intimidated, and in some cases, assaulted by security operatives and impostors on highways. The situation, he emphasized, is a “criminal enterprise in motion” that must be confronted head-on.
The handbook, which has been selling on various platforms, including Lulu, Cela Daskan, and Taribos, is designed to expose the tricks and game plans of those who exploit ordinary citizens.
Dr. Nwolisa revealed that readers of the book have already drawn courage from its message, citing a recent viral confrontation between civilians and Customs operatives in Ondo State.
The incident, he said, was a testament to the impact of the book, which has inspired citizens to stand up against corruption.
Dr. Nwolisa emphasized that his call for a revolution against corruption is not a call to violence but to citizen advocacy and accountability. He urged journalists to play their role in exposing abuse and demanding transparency from government, military, and paramilitary Officers.
The fight against corruption, he stressed, requires a collective effort, with citizens, civil society organizations, and the media working together to demand a better Nigeria.
Using trade as an example, Dr. Nwolisa queried why citizens continue to face multiple layers of extortion after clearing their goods at ports. He noted that even after Customs has examined and released a consignment, other units continue to stop and extort citizens, perpetuating a cycle of corruption. The situation, he emphasized, is unacceptable and must be addressed.
Despite facing harassment and arrests after some public engagements, he remains undeterred in his crusade against corruption. He drew inspiration from the Bible, quoting,
“The first to enter the lake of fire are the fearful.” Fear, he emphasized, has kept Nigeria in chains, and it is only by freeing ourselves from fear that we can defeat corruption.
The event also featured the inauguration of new executives for the Apapa Chapter of the NCJTFLCA, as Dr. Nwolisa continues to galvanize support for his anti-corruption crusade. The new executives, he emphasized, have a critical role to play in promoting transparency and accountability in the customs brokerage industry.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of corruption, Dr. Nwolisa’s handbook offers a beacon of hope. The book is a reminder that citizens have the power to demand change and that collective action can lead to a more just and equitable society. As he emphasized, “Nigeria cannot survive forever if corrupt practices continue unchecked.” The time for action is now.
