The pioneer Association in the Nigeria Maritime industry; Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA) has remained the front burner on issues, projects and challenges as its affects the administration and operation of Maritime, Oil and Gas activities at the ports; Seaport, Airport and Boarders.
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) was formed in 1957 aimed to cater for the interest and welfare of Licensed Customs Agent in Nigeria.
ANLCA has undergone various organizational and attitudinal reforms geared to enhance smooth and seamless operational activities on Cargo documentation and Clearance at the Ports.
The Association has Positioned its-self as a rallying Point for both Importers and Customs Service with a view to facilitate trade effectively and efficiently at the Ports.
ANLCA has witnessed various Leadership style aimed to reposition and reengineer it in line with international best practices.
The association has continued to strive to ensure that members are not treated with impunity by other major stakeholders in the documentation and clearance of Cargo at the Ports in accordance with the Law.
However, the Association Leadership may have been threatened by some fundamental challenges occasioned at the port which are still begging for lasting solutions.
The Leadership of ANLCA has not relented in the quest for smooth and seamless operational activities for Members in line with global practice.
In view of above, the Association needs a well rooted and consistent member to steer the Affaires of the Association on a tripod of a collective interest, all inclusive approach and visionary driven results.
As the second term leadership of Prince Olayiwola shittu draws close, the tempo of who succeeds him warms up.
Various illustrious members of the Association have indicated interest to succeed Prince Olayiwola Shittu. In no particular order, they are as follows, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji, Hon. Tony Iju Nwabuike and Mr Emmanuel Opara.
Sir, Emenike Nwokeoji; most stakeholders and practitioners in the maritime, oil and gas industry have described him as “Due-Process and Transparent” leader. He was a two term ANLCA Chairman, Onne Chapter Rivers State, who voluntarily resigned at the completion of his second term and subsequently handed over to a caretaker committee in accordance with the constitution of the Association. When he held sway at Onne Chapter he introduced measures and plans that rejuvenate the Onne Seaport Cargo Documentation and Clearance. His concerted efforts and unalloyed commitment ushered in more shipping lines patronage at Onne seaport and this created a conducive and collaborative working environment which wooed investors to the Seaport for Cargo Synergies.
Sir, Emenike has proved his mettle at various levels of responsibilities as demanded. He is widely lauded for his meticulous and calculative mannerism in handling issues and challenges in ANLCA and the maritime industry at large.
Currently, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji is the National Vice President ANLCA, a portfoli referred to as the rallying point and melting point for prospects and challenges in the Nigeria Maritime Industry.
His humility and fear of God has always acted as a Catalyst for an improved and results driven ANLCA anchored on one goal with one destiny.
Hon. Tony Iju Nwabuike, a frontline Maritime, Oil and Gas stakeholder, former chairman ANLCA Apapa chapter, former Chairman Council for the regulation of freight forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and currently member, Board of Trustees, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).A political stalwart of the People Democratic Party (PDP) and also a former National Secretary Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA). A Cross Section of Major stakeholders who confided in GLOBAL RAY stated “Hon. Tony Iju is a team player and a committed member of ANLCA, But his commitment in Party polities are likely to affect the needed efforts and drive to cater and sustain the interest and welfare of members.”
However, they call on the ASECO to screen all National Presidential aspirants in area of Security, Policy compliance, Association Loyalty and ideological framework in accordance with the Association constitution.
In addition, they charged all aspirations so embrace peace and eschew bitterness in the interest of the Association stability and development.
Hon. Tony Iju Nwabuike, is an ANLCA stakeholder that can’t be easily swept under the carpet. However, some die hard ANLCA members who pleaded anonymity frown at his off and on posture on issues and challenges affecting the Association.
Thus, his interest to Vie for the post of the National president, ANLCA has continued to generate mixed reactions holding the fact that he is currently board member of the Association. Investigation reveal, the question in the lips of most stakeholders is, Does the ANLCA Constitution made provision for a board member of ANLCA to be elected as the National President?
Mr.Emmanuel Opara; another ANLCA stalwart who has acquired wide experience in freight forwarding profession, a former chairman ANLCA seme chapter, A former member of NAGAFF and currently the National Secretary, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
Opara was described by most stakeholders as a force to reckon with on areas of administrative prowess and intellectual acumen. As the secretary of the ANLCA he has injected constructive and visionary ideas for the interest and welfare of all members, (ANLCA) .
He was recently voted as the unassuming and results driven ANLCA stalwart, by the International Hall of fame.
Opara has to re-strategize and Harmonize all possible ways and measures aimed to achieve his heart desires.
However, some ANLCA pundits are of the fear that he may easily sell the Association values and tenets out at the detriment of the interest and stability of the Association.
