By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island Chapter, Prince Wale Cole, has congratulated the National Executive Committee (NECOM) of the association on the successful celebration of ANLCA’s 72nd anniversary held in Lagos.
Cole, while commending the NECOM led by the National President, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji, said the successful anniversary celebration was a demonstration of commitment to strengthening the association and sustaining its relevance in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics industry.
He also appreciated the Association’s Board of Trustees (BOT), led by Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, for its guidance, support and contribution to the continued growth and stability of the association.
Cole particularly acknowledged the leadership provided by Nwokeoji and other members of NECOM in putting together an event that brought together customs agents, government officials, maritime stakeholders, industry leaders and members of the association to celebrate ANLCA’s 72-year journey and its contribution to Nigeria’s trade and port development.
According to him, the anniversary was not merely a celebration of the association’s 72 years of existence, but also an opportunity for members to reflect on ANLCA’s achievements, challenges and responsibilities in the changing Nigerian maritime environment.
He said the role played by the BOT under the leadership of Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha in providing guidance and institutional support to the association deserved commendation, adding that the stability of ANLCA required cooperation between its leadership structures and members.
Cole also expressed appreciation to the Local Organising Committee Chairman, Prince Segun Oduntan, for his role in coordinating the preparations for the anniversary, describing the success of the event as evidence of the dedication and collective effort of the committee.
He extended his commendation to every member of the organising committee, noting that the smooth execution of an event of such magnitude required cooperation, sacrifice, planning and commitment from several individuals working behind the scenes.
He said the contributions of the committee members should be recognised and appreciated, particularly because the success of a major industry event was often the result of the collective efforts of people whose work was not always visible to the public.
Cole further commended all members of ANLCA who supported the anniversary and contributed in various ways towards making the celebration successful.
He said the anniversary had further demonstrated the strength of ANLCA as one of the oldest and most prominent professional associations within Nigeria’s customs brokerage and maritime sector.
He urged the association’s leadership and members to use the anniversary as a platform to renew their commitment to unity, professionalism and constructive engagement with government agencies responsible for trade facilitation and port operations.
The Tin Can Island Chapter chairman stressed the need for ANLCA to remain responsive to the changing realities of the customs and logistics business, particularly as the Federal Government continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving revenue collection, trade facilitation, port efficiency and the digitalisation of customs processes.
He said licensed customs agents remained critical players in the movement of cargo and the facilitation of international trade, adding that the association must continue to promote professionalism among its members while advocating for policies that would make Nigerian ports more competitive.
Cole also called for greater cooperation between ANLCA’s national leadership, BOT, chapters and members, saying the strength of the association depended largely on its ability to work together in advancing the interests of the customs brokerage profession and contributing meaningfully to the development of the nation’s maritime sector.
He congratulated Nwokeoji and members of NECOM once again for the successful 72nd anniversary celebration, while urging the leadership to sustain the momentum generated by the event.
He equally congratulated Prince Segun Oduntan and the entire Local Organising Committee for their commitment and dedication towards ensuring the success of the anniversary.
Cole said the 72nd anniversary should serve as a new beginning for ANLCA, with renewed attention to the welfare of members, professional development, improved engagement with stakeholders and the continued pursuit of a more efficient and competitive Nigerian port system.
The anniversary celebration brought together members of ANLCA and stakeholders across the maritime and customs sectors, providing an avenue to reflect on the association’s 72-year journey and its continuing role in Nigeria’s international trade ecosystem.
