The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has elected its new Board of Trustees (BoT), comprising of Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, Chief Kingsley Offor, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Utai, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, Adeola Mummuney, Chief Sunday Momoh, Chief Dayo Azeez, Tunde Awonuga, and Chief Dennis Okafor.
The elections which held on Thursday across three zones—West (Lagos), East (Port Harcourt), and North (Abuja) were conducted via secret ballot. The results underscored the Western zone’s dominance, with 370 voters, compared to Port Harcourt’s 106 and Abuja’s fewer than 20.
Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha emerged with the highest votes at 334, followed by Chief Ernest Elochukwu with 323 votes. Chief Kingsley Offor received 310 votes, Chief Dennis Okafor 302, Chief Sunday Momoh 294, Chief Dayo Azeez 291, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Utai 275, Tunde Awonuga 270, and Adeola Mummuney 239, securing the top nine positions.
Former Vice Chairman of the ANLCA BoT, Chief Ozor Chukwura, garnered 217 votes, while former Acting President Dr. Kayode Farinto received 204 votes. Mr. Eniola Igbarola, a former BoT member, polled 136 votes.
The election, however, was marred by controversy as Otunba Babatunde Mukaila, a prominent aspirant and former National Secretary, was disqualified just hours before the election.
Additionally, Oluwatope Fatimehin, Secretary of the Association’s Electoral Committee (ASECO), claimed his signature on the disqualification letter had been forged. Although these developments provoked dissatisfaction and could have disrupted the election, Mukaila chose a peaceful approach, refraining from protests or legal actions.
Speaking after the election the National President Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji described the BoT election as a significant step in restoring ANLCA’s standing within the maritime industry. Reflecting on his past experience, he noted, “I served as National Vice President for two terms before. Despite losing the 2018 National President election, I congratulated the winner without hesitation.”
Nwokeoji emphasized the importance of unity within ANLCA, stating, “After five years of internal strife, it’s time to come together to forge a new path for the association’s benefit and our members.” He also urged voters to select credible candidates and ensure the BoT reflects the major ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The Western zone election, held at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, was monitored by Customs officials, including a representative from the Comptroller General of Customs, the Nigerian Police Force, media personnel, and some royalty.
