Why We Have Not Disrupted Operations In The Ports – ANLCA President

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)has disclosed that it has been foot-dragging on the push to embark on an industrial action in the ports because of its desire to fast track customs brokerage practice, meet international best practices and also collaborate with the Nigeria Customs  Service and other relevant agencies to improve revenue generation,

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)has disclosed that it has been foot-dragging on the push to embark on an industrial action in the ports because of its desire to fast track customs brokerage practice, meet international best practices and also collaborate with the Nigeria Customs  Service and other relevant agencies to improve revenue generation,
This was disclosed by the National President of ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu when he led a delegation of top officers of the Association on a working visit to the Apapa Area Customs Command last week.
He told his host, Comptroller Charles Edike, the customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, and his sectional heads that the leadership of ANLCA has resisted a great deal of provocation from the terminal operators and shipping companies which would have warranted the shutting down of the terminals.
According to him, unlike in the past, the current leadership believes in using dialogue to solve issues. This, he said has proved to be more effective in getting the desired results.
Shittu added that members of the association are being trained and re-trained to orientate them on international best practices of the profession.
He said the profession has moved from the old system to e-transaction, and the need for improved education through training and re-training has become more necessary than ever before.
The ANLCA boss also said the journey towards total professionalism which has started, was irreversible, and urged all members to take advantage of the opportunities opened to them.
Speaking specifically on the problems encountered by licensed customs agents, the ANLCA President frowned at the situation where the customs gives value, only for an alert to be issued on the same assignment. He requested the Customs Area Controller (CAC) to check the practice as it was against the norm.
Responding, the CAC promised to look into it and asked any agent who had complaints on any abnormal alert, to report.
He however assured the ANLCA delegation that its complaints would be addressed, but added that those complaining about ‘’alert’’ must come with clean hands. He explained that an alert is not a directive, but a warning which means ‘’take care’’ watch out; don’t be negligent’’.