In a bold move to reshape freight forwarding operations at Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), the TCIP Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olawale Cole, has vowed to usher in an era of unity and inclusivity, stressing that collaboration—not competition—holds the key to resolving the sector’s deep-seated challenges.
Speaking in Lagos during a visit by ANLCA’s National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, Cole declared his intention to work closely with sister associations, including APFFLON and NAGAFF, to implement a structured and solution-driven governance model at the port.
“We are setting up committees next week to address every operational challenge freight forwarders face. These committees will include members from APFFLON, NAGAFF, and other associations because this is not about rivalry—it’s about results. Our vision is clear: a transformed Tin Can Island Port. And, by God’s grace, we will achieve it,” Cole asserted.
Acknowledging the long-standing struggles of freight forwarders due to poor coordination, he emphasized that past and present leaders across all associations must unite under a single platform to engage stakeholders effectively.
“All our members have suffered in one way or another due to the absence of a proper organizational structure. But that changes now. We are forming a unified front so that Customs and industry stakeholders recognize that a new era has begun at Tin Can,” he stated.
Cole also used the occasion to appreciate members who contributed to the refurbishment of the chapter secretariat, which had previously been under lock and key. He assured freight forwarders that the secretariat would remain open and accessible to all, regardless of official designations.
“Even if you don’t have a coordinator or an ID card, this secretariat is open to you. The moment you step in here, your problems will be tackled,” he declared.
Addressing the need to bridge past divisions within the chapter, Cole called on all stakeholders to close ranks and work collectively for the greater good of the association.
“The task ahead is enormous. One person alone cannot do it. We need intellectuals, visionaries, and dedicated individuals contributing their expertise to ensure our collective success,” he added.
The event also featured free medical check-ups for freight forwarders, including blood pressure and blood sugar tests, underscoring the association’s commitment to members’ well-being.
In a follow-up engagement, ANLCA’s leadership, led by Nwokeoji, visited the Customs Area Controller of TCIP, Comptroller Frank Onyeka. The ANLCA President commended Onyeka for eliminating unnecessary cargo alerts and expediting delivery processes. He also lauded the growing synergy between customs and port operators, emphasizing that such collaboration is crucial for a seamless trade environment.
