As the much-anticipated Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Board of Trustees (BoT) election draws closer, former National Secretary of the association, Babatunde Mukail, has called for issue-based campaigns among the contestants.
Mukaila, who once served as a sole administrator of ANLCA, emphasized the importance of focusing on the core issues facing the association and the broader customs brokerage industry, rather than engaging in personal attacks or divisive tactics.
In a chat with journalists on Tuesday Mukaila expressed his concerns about the direction of the ongoing campaigns, noting that the ANLCA, as a pivotal organization in Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors, requires leaders who are committed to addressing the challenges that members face daily.
“We need leaders who will prioritize the interests of our members, tackle the pressing issues, and restore the dignity of the association. The upcoming BoT election is a critical moment for us to choose individuals who will represent our collective aspirations,” Mukaila stated.
He further highlighted that ANLCA has long been plagued by internal strife, which has weakened the association’s ability to advocate effectively for its members.
Mukaila urged the candidates to present their manifestos and engage in debates that focus on policy solutions to these challenges. “This election should not be about who can shout the loudest or sling the most mud. It should be about who has the best ideas to move ANLCA forward,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as National Secretary, Mukaila recounted the efforts made to unify the association and strengthen its role in Nigeria’s customs and trade sectors.
He pointed out that the current leadership must build on these efforts and avoid the pitfalls of past administrations. “We’ve had enough of the divisions and rancor. It’s time for us to come together and work towards a common goal. The BoT election presents an opportunity to do just that,” Mukaila added.
Mukaila also addressed the relationship between the current candidates and the members, stressing that those vying for positions on the BoT must have a clear understanding of the needs and concerns of the association’s members.
“The BoT is not just a ceremonial body; it plays a crucial role in guiding the association. The candidates must demonstrate that they are in touch with the grassroots and have the vision to lead ANLCA into a new era,” he asserted.
The former National Secretary was particularly vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in the election process.
He called on the ANLCA Electoral Committee to ensure a fair and credible election, where every vote counts. “We must avoid the mistakes of the past, where elections were marred by irregularities and controversies. The integrity of the election process is paramount if we are to restore confidence in our association,” Mukaila noted.
He also praised the decision to hold simultaneous elections at the zonal level, describing it as a “laudable idea” that will make the campaign and election less costly and more efficient.
Mukaila further emphasized the need for an issue-based campaign, urging journalists to focus on the qualities and policies of the aspirants rather than hype.
He also addressed concerns about the eligibility of voters, stating that only directors of registered companies will be allowed to vote, and that their identities will be verified through documents submitted during registration.
The briefing also touched on the role of ASECO in conducting the election, with Mukaila clarifying that the Association Electoral Commission has the power to formulate its procedure for the election, as stated in the constitution.
