The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has unveiled plans to introduce associate membership for members facing financial constraints preventing license renewal. This announcement came from the National President of ANLCA, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji, during a press briefing in Lagos.
Nwokeoji emphasized that the move aims to acknowledge the contributions of long-serving members and ensure their continued connection to the association, even if they cannot renew their licenses.
“I am proposing for the next NEC meeting that I will make room for associate members,” Nwokeoji stated. “Maybe somebody has been our member for 10 to 15 years, but due to financial situation, he is unable to renew his license. Does it mean that we will throw all the services he has rendered away? Let us look at it and at least give him an associate membership.
He might not get all the privileges, but he would still know that he belongs to this family and that he has contributed something”, he said.
He further addressed the controversy surrounding the appointment of Frances Itua as the new Chairman of ASECO. Some members questioned Itua’s eligibility, claiming that he recently renewed his license. Nwokeoji clarified that there is no ANLCA constitution requirement regarding the number of years of licensed membership for the ASECO Chairman position.
“The Chairman of ASECO resigned, and then we appointed somebody, and people started raising issues. But I stand to be corrected; there is nowhere it is written in our constitution that for you to be a chairman of ASECO, you must have been a licensed member for a certain number of years,” Nwokeoji argued.
He urged members to refer to the constitution and provide evidence if they dispute the appointment criteria. Nwokeoji emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity within the association, stating that ANLCA is open to making adjustments to accommodate members’ concerns.
Nwokeoji also highlighted the distinction between ASECO and elected positions within ANLCA, noting that while elected officials require consistent licensing for a specified period, ASECO appointments are more flexible.
“If you want to be secretary or president in ANLCA, you must be a licensed member consistently for a certain number of years, but not ASECO members because they are just a committee,” Nwokeoji elaborated. “Chairman of ASECO is by appointment. It is almost an ad hoc committee.”
Regarding the crisis at the Airport Chapter, Nwokeoji condemned the actions of the former chairman, Bamgbala Adewusi, for seeking police protection to remain in office, despite a valid court judgment recognizing Temitope Akindele as the authentic chairman. He assured members that the NECOM is using legal means to ensure a peaceful transition and prevent any disruption of order at the airport.
