Arguably, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has transformed into a good example of how a freight forwarding body should be. It has changed from being juts an assemblage of clearing and forwarding agents to an internationally-recognised body of professionals, all these under the watch of a new executive led by Prince Olayiwola Shittu. These were achieved in four years.
Arguably, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has transformed into a good example of how a freight forwarding body should be. It has changed from being juts an assemblage of clearing and forwarding agents to an internationally-recognised body of professionals, all these under the watch of a new executive led by Prince Olayiwola Shittu. These were achieved in four years.
Although, there may not be accurate records as to when it was actually founded, there is no doubt about the fact that the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) is the oldest umbrella body for all licensed customs agents in Nigeria.
Dr Rafiu Oladipo, who is now known more as the president general of the Nigerian Football Supporters’ club is credited as being the first president of ANLCA, older generation members of the association also say that there was a an interregnum for some years before Alhaji Sani Kamba later stepped-in to become the national president of a new- look association.
Alhaji Kamba’s tenure was followed by that of Mr Peter Okocha, Aare Sanni Shittu, Alhaji Inua Mohammed and Chief Ernest Elochukwu as national presidents. The incumbent; Prince Olayiwola Shittu is officially, the seventh national president of the association.
Arguably, ANLCA has transformed from its pre-2010 image of an isolated and a ‘threatened’ association to a new brand that is the envy of all licensed customs agents, perhaps worthy of the confidence that its teaming members reposed in Prince Shittu when he went seeking for their votes.
We remember quite vividly that the current leadership of Prince Olayiwola had promised, among other things to: professionalize the business of customs clearing, provide a modern and functional and befitting national secretariat, engender harmony with other stakeholders and provide an effective customs- agents’ relationship.
Even though he didn’t give a time frame within which these promises would be fulfilled, even his critics will agree that he has delivered on these promises within three years.
But, by and large, the decision to synergise with other stakeholders may possibly be what has created the best image for ANLCA and for which most licensed customs agents will remain very grateful to the new leadership of ANLCA under Prince Olayiwola Shittu.
But, as the Prince Shittu executive council embarks on the last lap of its four- year tenure, it is important to point its attention to a few things which we think might help it to serve its members more.
In the last three years and some months, we have noticed a bourgeoning national secretariat with functional apparatuses, in the same vein; we have observed the emergence of a less-relevant chapter leadership.
The ANLCA has reclaimed its glory among stakeholders in the Nigerian shipping sector; its admission into the IFCB is quite commendable, while its frontline (but largely misconstrued) role in the CRFFN has helped the council at a time. A lot of stakeholders also believe that the current travail of CRFFN has the big hand of ANLCA.
Coming to the association, last week’s election into the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT), we can only observe as a maritime media firm that the calibre of contestants that filed out for the nine seats is a further confirmation of the fact that ANLCA has really soared.
Now, everyone who is key in the association, including those who have either ran away or who have long abandoned the association are coming back.
Without necessarily sounding patronizing, we are encouraged by how good a brand ANLCA has become, but events of the next few months will greatly indicate the association’s new direction.
We are very impressed with what the association has become and can only wish that the new board will complement the efforts of the executive council under Prince Olayiwola Shittu.
It is important that the association gets a board that parades people of equal status and who have as much understanding of the new ANLCA as the incumbent national executives.
Even though it was our wish that the past board members should all be returned, delegates who voted have spoken via their votes and have elected nine members, more than half of which are new.
The entrance of the likes of: Chief Ernest Elochukwu, Chief Tony Nwabunike, Chef Denis Okafor and Mr Dayo Azzez could only add value to the already blossoming association’s profile.
And without being politically involved in ANLCA issues, we think that the current national executive deserves a second term, if they so desire.
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