As the race for seats on the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) gets hotter, one of the candidates; Mr. Demola Mumuney opens up on what informed his ambition. A former Customs officer turned broker, Mumuney says he is leveraging his extensive experience in the maritime industry as he vies for a position on the board. In this interview with our correspondent, Oluyinka Onigbinde, he discusses his plans for the association.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share some background on your journey in the maritime industry?
My name is Demola Mumuney. I am the Managing Director of Stoirin Maritime Services Limited, a company we established back in 1994. Over the years, we’ve specialized in customs clearance, warehousing, collateral management, and shipping agency services. Our firm has been actively involved in cargo and ship surveying, handling operations for both local and international clients. Before venturing into the private sector, I had a rewarding career with the Nigeria Customs Service, where I retired in 1996. Since then, I’ve been deeply engaged in the customs brokerage industry, witnessing firsthand the changes and challenges that have shaped the industry. Beyond my professional life, I am also a member of Ikoyi Club 1938, where I have served in various capacities. My journey in the maritime sector spans over three decades, during which I accumulated a wealth of experience that I believe is crucial for the growth and development of ANLCA. It’s been a long road, filled with both challenges and achievements, but one that has provided me with a deep understanding of the industry’s intricacies. This extensive background is what I intend to bring to the BoT if elected, to contribute positively to the future of the association.
Are you involved in any political activities, and how do you balance that with your professional commitments?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a politician in the traditional sense, but I do maintain a close relationship with the political arena. Over the years, I’ve built and nurtured relationships with numerous political figures, which I find to be quite beneficial in both my personal and professional life. For instance, even the current President once worked with my wife at Mobil, and this connection has remained strong over the years. These relationships have provided me with insights into the political dynamics that often intersect with the maritime sector. However, I’ve always maintained a clear boundary between my professional commitments and any political activities that I may engage in. My primary focus has always been on my business and the development of the customs brokerage profession. While politics does play a role in shaping the policies that affect our industry, I believe that my role is to influence those policies through professional and constructive dialogue, rather than active political participation.
What motivated you to contest for a position on the BoT of ANLCA, especially at this stage?
My decision to contest for a position on the BoT of ANLCA stems from a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute more directly to the profession that has given me so much. Although I haven’t held a formal position within ANLCA before, I’ve always been involved in supporting the association in various capacities. Over the years, I’ve seen the critical role that the BoT plays as policy makers within ANLCA, and I believe that with my background, I can bring a fresh perspective that aligns with the needs of our members. With the appointment of the new Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, who has shown a keen interest in the activities of our association, I feel that the timing is perfect for me to step forward. After nearly three decades in the industry, I believe it’s my turn to give back to ANLCA in a more structured and impactful way. My goal is to ensure that ANLCA continues to thrive and that we position ourselves as leaders in the customs brokerage profession; not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
ANLCA members are eager to know what specific plans you have if elected to the BoT. Can you elaborate on your agenda and vision for the association?
The customs brokerage profession, despite its long history, has not been elevated to the level it deserves. This is largely due to the way the profession has been handled over the years. My primary goal is to professionalize the industry further. For instance, just as the insurance industry has evolved into a respected and chartered profession, I believe customs brokerage should follow a similar path. We need to establish a Chartered Customs Brokerage profession, with formal education and training programmes in tertiary institutions. This would not only elevate the profession but also ensure that we are seen as trusted professionals who are integral to the country’s trade and logistics framework.
Another critical issue I intend to address is the indigenization of Customs license agencies. It’s quite concerning that many licenses are held by foreigners, whereas in other West African countries, these licenses are reserved for nationals. I believe that Nigerians should have exclusive rights to these licenses, and I will work towards making this a reality if elected.
Moreover, I am advocating for the institutionalization of professional fees for customs brokers. Currently, the fees charged by brokers are often arbitrary and subject to undercutting, which undermines the value of our services. I propose that these fees be standardized and based on a percentage of the Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) value, similar to practices in other professions like Law and Accounting. This will not only enhance the professionalism of our members, but also ensure that we are adequately compensated for the critical role we play in the supply chain.
There are some who believe that the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria should be addressing these issues. What’s your perspective on the role of the CRFFN, and how does it align with your plans for ANLCA?
The CRFFN was established with the best of intentions, but over the years, it has unfortunately become highly-politicized and has strayed from its core functions. The council was meant to regulate the freight forwarding profession, ensuring standards and professionalism, but it seems to have lost its way. In my view, the CRFFN and ANLCA should be working hand-in-hand to advance the interests of customs brokers and freight forwarders. However, the reality is that there’s a significant disconnect between what the CRFFN was supposed to achieve and what it’s currently doing.
As a BoT member, I will advocate for a closer collaboration between ANLCA and the CRFFN to realign the council’s objectives with the needs of our members. If we find that the CRFFN is beyond redemption, then we may need to have a serious conversation about its relevance and possibly push for its dissolution. The goal should always be to have a regulatory body that genuinely supports the professional development and interests of customs brokers, rather than one that is bogged down by politics and inefficiency.
What’s your assessment of the current Customs management under Comptroller-General Wale Adeniyi, and how do you see ANLCA’s role in supporting or influencing customs policies?
The appointment of Wale Adeniyi as the Comptroller-General of Customs is, in my opinion, a very positive development. He’s a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of customs operations, and he has already shown a strong commitment to improving the relationship between customs and the business community. Under his leadership, the Customs Service has become more engaged with the public, and there’s a clear effort to enhance transparency and efficiency in customs processes.
However, there are still areas that need improvement, particularly with the orientation and training of younger officers. These officers are the future of the Nigeria Customs Service, and it’s crucial that they receive the right training and are instilled with the values of integrity and professionalism. As a member of the BoT, I will work closely with the customs management to ensure that these standards are upheld. ANLCA can play a significant role in providing feedback to the Customs Service and advocating for policies that benefit both the industry and the nation’s economy.
The BoT is often seen as a role that requires significant investment of time, money, and resources. How prepared are you to make these commitments, and what are your thoughts on the current state of ANLCA’s finances?
The role of a BoT member is indeed demanding, both in terms of time and resources. However, I am fully prepared to make these commitments because I believe in the future of ANLCA and the importance of our profession. The BoT role is one of service to the association, and while it doesn’t necessarily have to be overly expensive, it does require dedication and a willingness to invest in the association’s success.
Regarding ANLCA’s finances, I believe there’s room for improvement in how we manage and allocate our resources. Transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of our financial management practices. If elected, I would advocate for more stringent financial controls and regular audits to ensure that our resources are being used effectively and in the best interest of our members. Additionally, I plan to leverage my extensive connections within the industry to attract more support and sponsorships for ANLCA’s activities, which would reduce the financial burden on individual members and allow us to focus on our core mission.
Finally, what message do you have for ANLCA members as they prepare to cast their votes?
I will like to tell my fellow ANLCA members that this election is not just about choosing leaders; it’s about shaping the future of our profession. We are at a critical juncture, and the decisions we make now will have long-lasting implications for our association and the customs brokerage industry as a whole. I am offering my candidacy not just as a leader, but as someone who will be a voice for progress, advocating for the institutionalization of our profession and ensuring that ANLCA operates in a way that benefits all members, not just a select few. My commitment is to transparency, professionalism, and the collective growth of our association. Together, we can build an ANLCA that is not only respected within Nigeria, but also across the globe. So, as you head to the polls, vote wisely and choose leaders who have the best interests of our association at heart.
