The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has organized a mental wellness training programme for its members aimed at addressing rising stress levels, emotional fatigue, and improving client management skills among customs agents.
The training, which was conducted by Service Your Mind, a wellness and emotional intelligence consultancy firm, focused on stress management, emotional resilience, anger control, and service recovery strategies for client-facing professionals.
President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, while speaking on the sideline of the event, said the training was necessitated by the increasing health challenges and sudden deaths recorded among members in recent times.
He explained that the harsh economic environment, coupled with the mounting pressures faced by importers and customs agents, has made it imperative to equip members with skills to manage stress and maintain professionalism.
“In recent times, we have noticed that many of our members are dropping out, either due to illness or sudden deaths. The times are hard, and everyone, including our clients, is feeling the pressure. Unfortunately, frustrations are often transferred from one person to another, and if we as professionals fail to manage our responses, we risk losing clients and damaging critical business relationships,” Nwokeoji stated.
He disclosed that the association is working to institutionalize the training as part of its continuous capacity-building initiatives. According to him, plans are underway to hold a larger retreat for all ANLCA members, particularly those in leadership and committee roles, to further expose them to stress management and client relationship techniques.
Also speaking, the Vice President of ANLCA, Mr. Segun Oduntan, noted that the programme marked a new era in the association’s approach to professional development. He emphasized the importance of mental alertness and emotional intelligence in the daily operations of licensed customs agents.
“This training focuses on building capacity and mental wellness. It is essential that we manage ourselves better, understand how to relate with customers, and improve our professional conduct. The clearing and forwarding business is stressful, but with the right mindset, we can navigate the pressures effectively,” Oduntan said.
He added that customs agents must be equipped to handle client interactions with greater patience, professionalism, and emotional stability, which he said would improve overall service delivery within the sector.
Facilitator of the training, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, stated that the workshop aimed to empower participants with emotional literacy and stress management tools. She noted that “emotions are contagious” and emphasized the need for professionals to regulate their emotional responses when dealing with clients and colleagues.
The session also featured practical reflective exercises where participants wrote down negative or hurtful words that had been spoken to them in the past. These words, believed to have affected their self-esteem or emotional balance, were publicly displayed in a symbolic act of emotional release.
In a related exercise, members wrote down positive, affirming words that had been said to them, focusing on their unique qualities and strengths. This activity was aimed at encouraging participants to embrace self-worth and prioritize mental well-being.
Members also deliberated on whether “the customer is always right” and discussed strategies for anger management and conflict resolution in the course of their professional duties.
The president expressed optimism that subsequent editions of the training would record greater participation, adding that the current participants would serve as ambassadors to encourage wider involvement in future programmes.
