shippingposition
  • Home
  • News
  • Editorial
    • Vox Pop
  • Maritime safety
  • Oil and Gas
  • Personality
  • Health
No Result
View All Result
shippingposition

Home » “Only God Can Resolve ANLCA Crisis” —-Segun Oduntan

“Only God Can Resolve ANLCA Crisis” —-Segun Oduntan

by Joshua
February 14, 2021
in Personality

 

Prince Segun Oduntan, is the immediate past Chairman of Tin Can Port Chapter of the Association of the Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). In this Interview with Oluyinka Onigbinde, he speaks extensively on the genesis of the crisis rocking the association, his recommendations and other sundry industry issues.

 

How will you access your performance as the chairman of ANLCA at Tin Can Port?

I cannot access myself, it is outsider or members that can access me, you cannot sit for an examination and you will be the person that sets the exam and at the same time be the person that will mark it. Because if I want to access myself, definitely I will say I have done 100%, so I will leave that question for the people of Tin Can to do the assessment.

 
What challenges did you confront at Tin Can?

Definitely with the type of job we do, there will always be challenge because it’s an operational work. Part of the challenges is that that we have people who are not coordinated, we have the challenges of customs doing whatever they like and all that, my predecessor tried his best and I have to continue from there.

How were you able to surmount these challenges?

When we were coming in, we had a mission statement about five of them, concerning the things we want to do, and part of the mission statement is to improve Customs – agents relationship, trying to let the customs respect us and see us as their partners, we are the ones that pay the duty and assist them; which is one of our mission statement, we also said we wanted a permanent functional secretariat, we ensured that the secretariat is functiona,l we built our own website, we had trainings and we also found out that a lot of our people are always careless with their health and we realised many of our members died for things that could have been avoidable  and some even died with nothing for the family to fall back on. We had instances when people will come and meet us and say they couldn’t pay children school fees and all that, so we set up an insurance scheme and I was paying for the members that benefitted. We also made sure that a doctor comes around like twice a week to do medical checkup, we also had empowerment programme for our aged; those whose strength cannot carry them again we had some supportive programmes for them; all these we did even the one of insurance that has never been done in any chapter, the records are there.
 

How were you able to do all these?

We were able to do it because I am a manager of people, I have close to about 26 staff working for me; both in Lagos and outside Lagos and I relate with my staff very well, apart from that, I grew within the system and I know how tedious our work is, I know how an average agent feels, I have been there on the field and I am not just an administrative head, I am an operational head, so it is the replica of how you see me handle my office that I have put in the association. For the years that I served as the chairman, because the electricity had problem, we were on generator all through and due to proper maintenance and coordination of people, it is still running and that’s why a lot of people will leave their office and come to the secretariat to come and relax.

 
What are your expectations for the maritime industry this year?

My expectation is high, because we know the issue of the pandemic created a lot of bottlenecks in the industry and I hope before the end of 2021, the industry will bounce back
 

How will you describe the impact of the Tin Can road on the operations of clearing agents?

The problem of Tin Can has to do with the construction company, because I went out I saw and I discovered that whenever they are doing any major road you don’t shut down the whole road, you have to create an avenue for motorists. But I don’t know where the contractors came from that nobody can talk to them, during my time as the chairman, I tried to manage a lot of things, because there was buck-passing, some people will say its NPA, and we will look at it to see where NPA has fault, some people will say police and some time we had to sleep in Apapa to resolve this, we had dialogue with them but at the end of it all we saw that the people are making money from the traffic. We went to MSC Shipping about the traffic and they promised which they never did, I also had dialogue with the head of the Presidential Task Team and I also invited Tokunbo Obanikoro, the General Manager of the transit park at second gate, because I believe in dialogue; we sat to resolve the problem and we found out that if the construction company can just fix a small part there and allow movement there, but the contractor in charge said nobody can direct him to do it and he refused to fix it, what is causing problem there can be done within one month that will create that access, so all what is happening in Tin can are human problem and the construction company are not helping matters.

What impact did the ANLCA crisis have on your tenure as Chairman?

I have been a practitioner for 31 years in the industry, I came into ANLCA the year I came into this industry and I saw a vibrant association and this is a profession that I have been practicing over the years to take care of my family and friends and making headway.  I thought it was time for me to give back through ANLCA. A lot of people may not have access to me if not for ANLCA, for instance if not that I have given you appointment you may not be able to see me, so also for my colleagues too, but once I became the chairman they can access me. We have been in the association for so long but playing the back role, I have been supporting some former chairmen and some national executives, but my people came to me and said you have been supporting us, this time around we want you to play a role and that was how I came into elective office. I came in because we saw what is happening in the association, a very vibrant association and all that, but however the crisis started when we were about a year in office and I can tell you the height of the association just dropped down and the crisis have affected everyone, it has affected procedures and we have lost our regards. So it has affected everything, you know if the head is troubled it affects the whole body.

 
What is the genesis of this crisis?

I am not a board member, but I can tell you ego and all that leads to all this, but I know that I have had series of advisory meetings with the National President for almost 10 to 12 times. I told him that you are the father of all and that this issue is the issue of the board and in the constitution, the constitution did not say the board will run the activities with the NECOM or on their own, it is stated in there that the NECOM will run the activities of the association, so let the board sort their issue out themselves. He has to be neutral about this, if an Igbo man is the President and an Igbo man is the chairman of the board, it has happened before and there was no crisis, so if this time you have seen some agitations, because we learn every day, so if we have seen some people agitating saying that let an Igbo man be President and a Yoruba man should be chairman of the board, you should know that something is coming that should be handled with care and caution and with a lot of moderation because you are not a kid, you are the leader of all. Personally I spoke to both left and right, I spoke to Chief Henry Njoku , I spoke to Alhaji Mustapha, I spoke to Chief Elochukwu, I was speaking with everybody including going to late Aare Sani Shuttu’s house to ensure peace, even when I spoke with Prince Taiye Oyeniyi he made it clear  that he has nothing that he is gaining from the board, it is not that he is collecting salary, nobody is collecting salary, but what I see there is that for history and posterity, these people don’t want a thing that will look like they are not registered and somebody will say tomorrow that they are not registered and that they are not board members  and that is why they went and normalized the registration of the association, if they have now gone ahead and normalized it and the CAC now gave them the certificate and immediately the CAC gave them the certificate, I met with the National President Tony Iju  and told him that now that this people said they have a certificate and that they are satisfied that they are certified BOT members and I spoke with them and they said they  are okay now and I persuaded them to write a letter requesting to see the President and they agreed. I called the president and asked him to attend to their request and ask them how many months you want to give them before conducting another BoT election.  These people wrote the letter sent it to him, but I don’t know why the President did not honour that meeting, he wrote them back some days after; that he lost somebody and that he was going for burial. That meeting that he did not attend  where that issue could have been resolved was what broke the peace talk, and the day he said he lost somebody and that he was going for burial, that was the day he went and met with some administrators at the Airport chapter and that was how we got to where we are today.
 

Why is it difficult to resolve the crisis?

Why is NECOM so interested in the issue of the board?
 

But we have members of NECOM who are not with NECOM?

We have about three members of NECOM who are not with NECOM Joe Sanni is not with the NECOM, John Offorbike is not with NECOM and Bayo Oyekangun , but it’s not that they are fighting they just said they respected the order of the court, since the court has said they should not parade themselves as NECOM, so they chose to respect the order of the court, it is not that they are fighting with other NECOM members.
 

But the board is also divided

The board is divided and one person abstained, we now have two against five and the two is Chief Peter Obih and Chief Henry Njoku; although they said they have written letters that they are no more BoT members. So you can see that this issue would have been resolved if the President handled it the way it ought to be handled, but there are some other forces telling him to go on and you know he has forgotten that whatever that happened it is going to be his regime.

 
What will you advise as the way out?

The way out is only God, God is the one that knows the beginning and the end, what we don’t know he is the only one that knows it, because the light that will destroy the whole village during harmattan may just be a cigarette stick, we have had opportunity when a judge told us that with what he is looking, it is better for the two parties to go and reconcile, saying if he gives his judgment, it will the end of the association and he gave them like two three sittings to address the issue but nothing was done.

 


Related Posts

INTERVIEW: “Nigeria has a very good chance of winning the IMO Council seat”—Dr. Paul Adalikwu

INTERVIEW: “Nigeria has a very good chance of winning the IMO Council seat”—Dr. Paul Adalikwu

June 30, 2025
INTERVIEW: “Minister of Marine and Blue Economy should be designated as Coordinating Minister of the Blue Economy”— Capt. Ebubeogu

INTERVIEW: “Minister of Marine and Blue Economy should be designated as Coordinating Minister of the Blue Economy”— Capt. Ebubeogu

June 24, 2025
MONDAY INTERVIEW:   “Let us reduce the rate of duty on used vehicles because fingers are not equal”—Dr Kayode Farinto

MONDAY INTERVIEW:   “Let us reduce the rate of duty on used vehicles because fingers are not equal”—Dr Kayode Farinto

June 16, 2025
MONDAY INTERVIEW: “Single Window Will Continue To Be A Talk Show, Until—–“Dr Kayode Farinto

MONDAY INTERVIEW: “Single Window Will Continue To Be A Talk Show, Until—–“Dr Kayode Farinto

June 2, 2025

Discussion about this post

Latest News

NPA Berths First Wholly Nigerian-Owned Container Vessel, MV Ocean Dragon

NPA Berths First Wholly Nigerian-Owned Container Vessel, MV Ocean Dragon

July 5, 2025

NRC Resumes Train Services On Kano-Minna Route Before Dec. – MD

Seme Customs Engages Media, Opinion Leader, to Strengthen National Security

Oyetola Pushes Maritime Revolution at TAAM 7.0, Unveils Innovation-Driven Reform Plan

Nigeria Maintains Zero Piracy In 3 Years-Oyetola

Tin Can Customs Rakes In ₦747bn In 6 Months

Customs Intercepts 2,693 Parcels Of Hemp In Ogun

NRC To Restore Offa Train Service Before End Of 2025 – Opeifa

Customs CG Honoured by Officers as Chairperson of the WCO Council

Customs CG Donates 13 Vehicles To Customs Idiroko Command

Apapa Customs Seals Three Bonded Terminals, Seizes 27 Containers in Anti-Smuggling Crackdown

Clarion Shipping Unveils Nigeria’s First Indigenous Container Vessel, Targets West African, China-Nigeria Trade Routes

kindly like our Facebook page

Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert
Health

Contraceptive Pills Can’t Cause Cervical Cancer – Expert

June 30, 2025

Mrs Roseline Akinlabi, Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health Desk Officer, Osun Primary Healthcare Board, says contraceptive pills cannot cause...

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

KNOW YOUR BODY PARTS: The Liver The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper abdomen, playing a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and digestion. It’s the largest solid organ in the body and is responsible for filtering blood, maintaining blood sugar levels, regulating clotting, and synthesizing essential proteins. The liver also stores energy, removes toxins, and produces bile, which aids in digestion Liver functions: · Metabolism and Detoxification: The liver processes nutrients from the blood, breaks down and balances them, and creates essential substances for the body. It detoxifies harmful substances like drugs and alcohol, converting them into less toxic forms for excretion. The liver plays a role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It stores glycogen (a form of glucose) and vitamins, releasing them when the body needs them. · Digestion: The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine to help digest fats. Bile also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. · Blood Regulation: The liver regulates blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. It synthesizes clotting factors, which are essential for blood clotting. It removes old red blood cells and processes bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. · Other Functions: The liver plays a role in immunity, helping to fight off infections. It produces proteins that are involved in the immune response. The liver also stores iron and other essential minerals. Frequently Asked Questions About The Liver · What are the first signs of a bad liver? The initial signs of liver problems can be vague and subtle, often including fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite. As the liver’s condition worsens, more specific symptoms may emerge, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, and light-colored stools. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right quadrant, can also indicate liver issues. · Where do you feel liver pain? Liver pain is typically felt in the upper right abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. It can manifest as a dull, throbbing pain, a stabbing sensation, or a general feeling of discomfort in that area. In some cases, liver pain might be felt as an ache in the right shoulder or back. · What does liver pain feel like? How liver pain feels can vary from person to person, depending on the cause. However, most people often develop one or more of the following symptoms: Dull, persistent aches in the upper abdomen A feeling of fullness or bloating Sharp, stabbing pains that come and go Tenderness when the upper abdomen is touched · What is the best way to cleanse your liver? If you haven’t been working out, start indulging in a regular exercise regime to allow the toxins to come out of your body. Yoga, going running, hitting the gym, or a simple sauna session can also prove effective. If you want a natural liver cleanse, sweating is the way to go. · How to know if the liver is swollen? What are the symptoms of an enlarged liver? You likely won’t notice an enlarged liver on your own. In some severe cases, you might notice a feeling of bloating or fullness in your belly or an ache in your upper right abdomen. · What is the best drink to flush your liver? Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants

June 16, 2025
ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

ONIONS: The Good Old Healing Vegetable

June 16, 2025
Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

Why Prostate Disorder Cases Are Increasing Among Nigerian Men – Experts

June 1, 2025
20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

20m Nigerians Live With Mental Health Issues, Says WHO

June 1, 2025
Health Facts You Didn’t Know

How Your Habit Affects Fertility

May 19, 2025
Fruits For Raining Season

Fruits For Raining Season

May 19, 2025
See Mental Illness Like Other Treatable Diseases – Says Suicide Survivor

Health Facts You Didn’t Know

May 19, 2025
Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

Alligator Pepper: Benefits, FAQ, Side Effects, & Warning

April 28, 2025
Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

Water And Health: The Relationship That Helps Life

April 28, 2025

© 2021 Shippingposition

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Terms

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Coast To Coast
  • Oil and Gas
  • Maritime Education
  • The Terminals
  • Maritime safety

© 2021 Shippingposition