In a bid to bring clarity and redefine the roles within the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila, the former National Secretary of the association, has emphasized that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the association should focus solely on its advisory role and not compete with its National Executive Committee (NECOM).
Mukaila, who is running for a position on the BoT, stressed the need for innovation and a clear demarcation of responsibilities to avoid the ongoing confusion and division within the association.
Speaking during a recent interview, Mukaila outlined his vision for the BoT, highlighting the necessity of redefining the relationship between the board and NECOM. According to him, the ANLCA constitution explicitly defines the role of the BoT as an advisory body, holding properties in trust and providing constructive advice and direction.
However, he lamented that in recent times, there has been a tendency for the BoT to overstep its boundaries, leading to conflicts and divided loyalties among members.
Mukaila asserted that, “the board is supposed to work in tandem with NECOM to give ANLCA members direction. It is not the job of the board to want to run the government of the day.
“The constitution is very clear under section 5 about who is in charge. Unfortunately, when the president moves here, the board moves; when the president goes left, the board goes right. This has continued to divide the loyalty of our members because they are confused about which person or office they should be loyal to.”
He further emphasized the importance of loyalty within the association, stating that members’ loyalty should first and foremost lie with the president, who is the Chief Executive Officer of ANLCA. The BoT’s role, according to Mukaila, is to advise constructively and give direction, not to govern or interfere with the day-to-day operations of the association.
Mukaila, who has served ANLCA diligently for 14 years, noted that he is not new to the intricacies of the association. He believes that his experience and track record make him uniquely qualified to contribute positively to the BoT.
He expressed confidence that his involvement would bring about the much-needed change in the dynamics of the board, ensuring that it performs its advisory role effectively without encroaching on the responsibilities of NECOM.
Reflecting on his decision to run for the BoT position, Mukaila explained that it was not initially his intention to run. However, after extensive consultations with ANLCA members, including directors and corporate license owners, he was persuaded to take up the challenge.
“I did not decide to run, but a lot of the members, the directors, the corporate license owners approached me and felt I should go into that board to innovate and continue to give service,” Mukaila said.
Mukaila also addressed concerns about his ability to effect change if he does not emerge as the chairman of the BoT. He assured that even if he does not hold the chairmanship or any other executive position within the board, his voice will be heard loud and clear. “I don’t need to be the board chairman. I don’t even need to be the board secretary to contribute my quota as a member of the board. But my voice will be heard loud and clear within the board where I stand on issues,” he affirmed.
Regarding the type of individuals who should be elected to the BoT, the former ANLCA scribe was unequivocal in his stance that only those with a proven track record of service should be considered.
He observed that ANLCA has often ran into problems when individuals without prior experience or understanding of the association’s ethics, norms, and traditions are elected to key positions.
“My slogan would be ‘vote for track record.’ You must vote for people that have a track record. I want to see people with proven track records who can have the same vision with me so that we can drive ANLCA to redefine the relationship between the executive and the board,” Mukaila stated.
As the BoT election draws near, Mukaila stated that he remains open to discussions and collaboration with other stakeholders within the association. He acknowledged that he entered the race at a late stage, but expressed his willingness to work with others to achieve the common goal of redefining and strengthening the BoT’s role within ANLCA.
