Members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have expressed mixed reactions to the decision of the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to temporarily suspend the chapter election timetable for the Western Zone.
The BoT’s decision, our correspondent gathered, followed discussions at a recent Western Zone meeting and included provisions to continue the sale of nomination forms to allow prospective candidates to prepare.
Former Tin Can Chapter Chairman, Ojo Akintoye, criticized the decision, describing it as unnecessary and poorly-timed.
According to Akintoye, the postponement raises questions about the readiness of the Western Zone despite adequate time for preparations. “If the Eastern Zone is ready for elections, why should the Western Zone be the stumbling block? Contestants have had ample time to showcase themselves. This delay only creates suspicion and makes it seem like there’s an agenda at play,” he remarked.
Akintoye further expressed frustration at the lack of a clear timeline for the elections, emphasizing that prolonged delays could undermine the credibility of the process. “When you release a timetable, there should already be a budget and planning in place. Changing dates arbitrarily sends the wrong message to members and contestants,” he added.
Similarly, former National Publicity Secretary, Joe Sanni raised concerns about the BoT’s decision-making process. While he acknowledged the BoT’s supervisory role, Sanni argued that such significant decisions should primarily involve the National Executive Committee (NECOM). “The chapter elections are overdue, and members are eager for the process to move forward. Any further delays will only fuel discontent,” he stated.
However, some members have shown support for the BoT’s move, urging unity and understanding. Chucks Afegbua, a member of the association, emphasized the importance of aligning with the board’s recommendations to avoid divisive outcomes. “ANLCA is a big family. The BoT’s actions are intended to create a fair and transparent process. We must work together to ensure inclusivity rather than focusing on disagreements,” he said.
Seyi Adebiyi, Secretary of the caretaker committee for the Apapa Chapter, defended the BoT’s decision, citing the unique challenges of the Western Zone.
“The Western Zone is the powerhouse of ANLCA, with the busiest ports and border entries. Its peculiarities require a more thorough approach to planning the elections to ensure no member is left behind,” Adebiyi explained.
