—–NECOM gets 2 weeks to wind up
——Election holds in August
The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) set up to resolve the over five years crisis in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has blamed lack of visionary leadership for the cause of the crisis that tore the association apart.
The CCC, at a peace meeting which held in Abuja on Wednesday with factional leaders of the association in attendance, blamed the absence of strong will and a focus on individual interests over corporate goals as the reason the crisis lingered for long.
Speaking at the peace meeting, the special guest of honour, Barr. Hassan Bello, addressed the leadership on the need for a peaceful resolution and a return to ANLCA’s role as a pace-setter in the supply chain.
Bello’s presentation highlighted several issues that require leadership intervention, including logistics competence, digitalization of freight forwarding and supply chain services, cargo integrity, professional capacity building, and the need for stronger collaboration between ANLCA and regulatory bodies.
The secretary to the CCC committee; Mr. Eugene Nweke listed part of the resolution reached at the accord meeting to include adopting the 2013 constitution as the reference point for the association, confirming the present ASECO (ANLCA Executive Council) subject to valid licenses, and conducting new NECOM (National Executive Council) elections within a month.
He also informed that aside the adoption of the 2013 constitution as a working document, another crucial development was the adoption of the present Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) Board of Trustees (BOT) structure, to be followed by a board election after the National Executive Committee (NECOM) election.
The decision, according to the committee will set the stage for a more democratic and representative leadership within the association.
The meeting also addressed the composition of the Association Electoral Committee (ASECO),with a caveat that member’s operating licenses’ validity would be verified with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to ensure that only legitimate and qualified members remain part of the ASECO and BOT.
Furthermore, he stated that the NECOM, in a spirit of continuity and seamless transition, also agreed to continue to hold office for the next two weeks before handing over to the newly elected board. The board, in conjunction with ASECO, will then oversee and conduct the NECOM election within the subsequent two weeks, set to take place before the end of August 2023.
He stated that the successful implementation of the resolutions is expected to bring about lasting peace and foster growth and professionalism within the maritime industry, benefitting both the professionals and the nation’s economy.
Amongst those present at the meeting: Aare Hakeem Olarewaju, Barr. Hassan Bello, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Chief Henry Njoku, Alhaji Inua Muhammed Chief Ernest Elochukwu, Comptroller Dimka Victor (rtd) Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha Kayode Farinto and a host of others.
