The National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, has warned chapter executives of the association to steer clear of making public statements on national policies, insisting that such responsibilities lie solely with the national leadership.
Nwokeoji gave the warning on Thursday at the opening session of a two-day national retreat and National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association.
He expressed concern over what he described as “misguided and unauthorised” commentaries from chapter executives, noting that such actions have, on several occasions, misrepresented ANLCA’s official stance on issues of national relevance.
The ANLCA helmsman clarified that while chapter leaders have the liberty to speak on matters affecting operations within their ports, borders or airports, they must refrain from addressing national policy issues which fall within the purview of the national body.
He also decried the practice of allowing committees to operate outside the control of chapter executives, warning that such tendencies erode leadership structure and create confusion.
Nwokeoji cited an incident where a committee member disrupted the reconstruction of a terminal access gate at a seaport, allegedly because the committee was not informed. He described the action as inappropriate and a reflection of poor internal coordination.
To avoid such scenarios, he advised that strategic committees should be headed by members of the executive team to ensure alignment and proper supervision.
“A good example is the planning of this NEC meeting and retreat. We appointed the National Secretary to head the committee. This ensured smooth communication and direction,” he said.
The president also described the retreat as timely, especially as a number of new executives have recently assumed office across several chapters. He expressed optimism that the sessions would help sharpen their understanding of leadership responsibilities.
Nwokeoji also touched on recent concerns about the Customs B’Odogwu platform, noting that the initial glitches had been addressed. He commended the Customs Service for its efforts, saying the platform and other innovations are critical to improving the ease of doing business in the freight forwarding sector.
In his remarks, Chairman of ANLCA’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, disclosed that the BoT, in partnership with the national executives, has commenced work on a legislative draft for the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Customs Brokers. He said the proposed bill would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
Mustapha also revealed that the BoT would, in fulfilment of its election promises, complete a sickbay project at the association’s national secretariat as part of activities to mark its one year in office.
Former ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, in his lecture, urged all organs of the association to understand their distinct roles and work together for the progress of the organisation. He warned against overlapping functions and unnecessary power tussles among the national, board, and chapter levels.
Also speaking, Mr. Alwin Hoegerle, Managing Director of Meta Digital Services (MDS) — a partner in the implementation of the Nigeria National Single Window project — commended ANLCA for its cooperation. He noted that licensed customs agents play a key role in the success of the federal government’s trade facilitation agenda.
According to him, the National Single Window initiative is designed to simplify and digitise trade processes, reduce costs, and enhance transparency across the import and export chain.
“The involvement of ANLCA and other stakeholders is not just important — it is essential to ensure full adoption and sustainability of the platform,” he said.
The event was attended by top industry figures, including the Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, Alhaji Hakeem Olarenwaju, and former ANLCA President, Chief Ernest Elochukwu, among others.
