Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a robust response to recent allegations made by Alhaji Tanko’s 100% Compliance Team, Chief Osita Chukwu has condemned Tanko’s petition to the National Security Adviser (NSA) as misleading and baseless.
Chief Chukwu criticized Tanko, a customs agent and freight forwarder, for his apparent misunderstanding of the established protocols governing government affairs, particularly in the maritime sector. He accused Tanko of violating protocol and undermining the Nigerian maritime sector’s leadership.
“This petition to the NSA is not just a breach of protocol; it’s an abuse and neglect of the systems we have put in place,” Chief Chukwu stated. “It gives a false impression to the world that there are problems in our port corridor, which is simply not true.”
Chief Chukwu further accused Tanko of trying to discredit the work of the Comptroller General of Customs, the Customs Area Controllers, and other senior officers in the western zone. He urged the NSA to dismiss Tanko’s petition, calling it diversionary and harmful to the progress in the maritime sector.
“This is not the first time Tanko has made such baseless claims. He has a history of doing this, and we have warned him multiple times,” Chief Chukwu added. “If someone seeks equity, they must come with clean hands. Tanko’s actions are far from that.”
Additionally, Chief Chukwu questioned the legitimacy of the 100% Compliance Team, asserting that such a team cannot exist outside the framework of an officially recognized association or government directive.
“100% compliance can only work within NAGAFF, not in the broader maritime corridor. Who set up this team, and under what authority?” Chief Chukwu questioned. “This so-called compliance team is illegal and appears to be a tool for exploitation rather than genuine oversight.”
He urged stakeholders to focus on collaborative efforts to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports in the West African sub-region, rather than being distracted by unfounded allegations.
“The goal should be to build our ports to be friendly, effective, and competitive, not to destroy the efforts of those working hard to achieve this,” Chief Chukwu said.
Chief Chukwu concluded by emphasizing that the various agencies condemned in the petition are performing well, highlighting the effective use of scanning machines in the ports.