The Senior Special Adviser to the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Government Warehouses, Prince Olawale Cole, has congratulated the newly elected members of the association’s Board of Trustees (BoT).
In a statement, Cole commended the elected members for their victory, urging them to work cohesively towards addressing the challenges facing the customs brokerage industry in Nigeria.
The newly elected BoT members include notable industry figures such as Taiwo Mustapha, Ernest Elochukwu, Kingsley Offor, Dennis Okafor, Sunday Momoh, Dayo Azeez, Sanni Utai, Tunde Awonuga, and Ademola Mumuney.
Cole acknowledged the wealth of experience these individuals bring to the board, expressing optimism that their combined expertise would foster progress and development within ANLCA and the larger maritime industry.
In his message, Cole emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation within the association, noting that the success of the BoT would largely depend on their ability to bridge internal divisions and strengthen ANLCA’s role in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He urged the board members to prioritize the collective interest of the association over personal or sectional agendas.
“ANLCA is at a critical juncture, and the decisions made by the new Board of Trustees will have far-reaching consequences on the future of the association and the industry at large.
“This is a time to set aside differences and work together for the common good,” Cole stated.
He further encouraged the new BoT members to be proactive in their roles, focusing on policies that will enhance the professionalism and integrity of customs agents across the country.
Cole further underscored the need for continuous dialogue between the BoT and the executive leadership of ANLCA, stressing that effective communication is essential for the association to achieve its goals.
Cole also took the opportunity to address some of the key issues affecting customs brokers in Nigeria, including the need for better regulatory frameworks, improved access to government warehouses, and the fight against corruption within the industry.
He called on the new BoT to work closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to tackle these challenges head-on.
“The customs brokerage profession is evolving, and ANLCA must be at the forefront of this evolution. We need policies that will not only make our operations more efficient but also protect the interests of our members.
“I believe the new Board of Trustees has the capacity to lead us in this direction,” Cole added.
Speaking further, Cole praised the outgoing BoT members for their service and dedication to the association. He urged them to remain supportive of the new board, noting that their experience and guidance would be invaluable during the transition period.
He said the election of the new BoT members marks a significant moment in ANLCA’s history, coming at a time when the association is seeking to reposition itself as a key player in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
With a growing number of licensed customs agents and an increasingly competitive maritime environment, he explained that the role of the BoT in ensuring strategic leadership and sound governance has become more important than ever.
Cole expressed confidence that they would bring fresh ideas and renewed energy to the association.
He highlighted the need for them to engage with grassroots members of ANLCA, to understand their concerns and represent their interests effectively at the board level.
