By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Tin Can Island Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has distanced itself from reports alleging cargo vandalism and the activities of “wharf rats” at Tin Can Island Port, describing the claims as unauthorized and not reflective of the chapter’s official position.
In a press statement issued by the chapter’s Secretary, Nwegbe Frankypaul, the Chairman of the chapter, Prince Olawale Cole, clarified that comments attributed to a member of the association in the circulating media report were made without the knowledge or approval of the chairman.
According to the statement, the remarks do not represent the official stance of the ANLCA Tin Can Island Chapter, stressing that the association maintains a clear communication protocol for members engaging with the media on issues relating to the chapter.
The chapter also disclosed that investigations conducted by its executive, in collaboration with the management of Five Star Logistics Terminal, revealed that no individual or member of the association had formally lodged any complaint regarding missing cargo or vandalism with the terminal’s claims department in relation to the allegations.
It further noted that the video circulating alongside the report does not appear to have originated from the Five Star terminal facility at Tin Can Island Port and does not involve cargo stored in the Sallum warehouse, cautioning the public against linking the footage to operations at the terminal.
The statement explained that the terminal operates a designated claims department where incidents involving cargo damage or vandalism are officially reported and documented, emphasizing that such procedures are necessary to ensure proper investigation and resolution of complaints.
ANLCA also reminded its members that granting media interviews or issuing public statements on matters concerning the chapter requires prior authorization from the chairman, in line with the association’s established communication guidelines.
Speaking further, the chapter’s Secretary, Nwegbe Frankypaul, emphasized that the association remains committed to ensuring that concerns raised by stakeholders are addressed through the proper institutional channels, urging members and port users to avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary tension within the port community.
He noted that the chapter encourages transparency and proper documentation of complaints, adding that such procedures help authorities and terminal operators investigate issues effectively.
Also speaking on the matter, the chapter’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Onome Joy, urged stakeholders with credible evidence of vandalized cargo or vehicles at the port to present such evidence through the appropriate channels.
She noted that both terminal operators and shipping companies maintain functional complaint and claims departments where affected parties can report incidents for proper documentation and follow-up.
At the same time, Joy called on the management of Five Star Logistics Terminal to strengthen security measures within the facility to meet stakeholders’ expectations regarding the safety of cargo at the port.
She added that the association’s task force remains actively engaged in monitoring activities within the terminal and working with operators to ensure that security procedures are effectively implemented.
The chapter reiterated that its leadership remains committed to professionalism, responsible communication, and constructive engagement with stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
