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By Kenneth Jukpor
As part of his agenda for the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the new President, Mr. Tony Iju Nwabunike has promised improved welfare package for members by ensuring provision of a pension scheme for retirees.
Iju made this promise while delivering his maiden speech as the President of ANLCA at the swearing-in ceremony over the weekend in Lagos.
The new National President also promised the reduction of excessive taxes and charges, the reduction of automobile tariff, as well as the reduction of port congestion by including border posts for clearing of automobiles and the total elimination of foreigners and unlicensed personnel into the freight forwarding profession.
“We must continue to advocate for improved welfare of our member by providing a Pension Scheme for retirees and different classes of Insurance for members. This will also be implemented at the Regional/Local Secretariats of our Association. In order to achieve this, we shall work hard to develop a revenue generation platform that will enable the implementation of this welfare scheme at all levels” he said.
“Clinic and a hotel in the facility will ensure that national and international training can be hosted in the village. It will not only provide the platform for improved services delivery, further growth and development of ANLCA; but will also become a centre to galvanize members, stakeholder and the public”
Meanwhile, he noted that the main thrust of his administration is to work for the registration and conferment of the status of a “Chartered Institute of Customs Brokers”.
According to him this will enable agents develop certification training programs for all ANLCA members to improve service delivery, the standardization of operations and processes, which I believe is the objective of making ANLCA a truly professional body.
He also assured that the assiciation would enhance its relationship with Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria, Standards Organization of Nigeria, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, Port Police Command, Shipping companies and the other port stakeholders.
However, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Mr. Hassan Bello commended the immediate past President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu for taking the association to such an enviable height.
Bello, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Enforcement and Compliance, Chief Cajetan Agu, promised to maintain a level playing ground for Customs brokerage to thrive in the nation.
The Shippers’ Council boss also commended the national executives members for successfully conducting a peaceful elections and seamless transition into the new administration.
Earlier, the former President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu urged the new administration to treat issues expeditiously rather than postponing issues.
Shittu also advised the new executives not to pick offence speedily against members as he said, “A member would has offended you today maybe your saviour the next day. You shouldn’t hold grudge against anyone. People may have put in so much effort for you to emerge as President today but you have become the President of all. The people who voted and supported you as well as those who opposed you, all belong to the category of people that you must cater for”
