ANLCA VP, Oduntan hosts Customs agents, freight forwarders to end -of -year celebration

.… scores 2025 maritime industry performance 70%

It was a joyous moment for licensed Customs agents and freight forwarders yesterday evening as the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Prince Segun Oduntan hosted a vibrant end -of- year celebration to mark the successful completion of 2025.

The event served as a unifying platform for members of ANLCA and sister associations including Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) to unwind and reflect on the outgoing year characterised by regulatory shifts, government policies and milestones for the freight forwarding industry.

The event, which has been a decade- long tradition for Oduntan brought together ANLCA chieftains from and across the country, including the association’s patron, Taiye Oyeniyi, Board of Trustees ( BoT) member, Dayo Azeez, ANLCA Western Zone Coordinator, Femi Anifowose, chapter chairmen- from Seme, Lekki, Apapa, as well as frontline freight forwarding amazons Ada Akpunonu, Bola Muse, friends and associates among others.

Speaking with journalists at the event, Oduntan described the gathering as a moment to appreciate God for his faithfulness throughout 2025.

He said, “This as an opportunity for us to sit down together, thank God together, and then chart a new course forward. This is not the first time we are having this kind of party, we have been doing it for over 10 years.

“If God has kept us for almost about 365 days, that means we should be grateful and thank him for whatever achievement that we attain. That is the essence of this year get- together, just for us to merry together, talk and chat together.

“We are grateful for life. At least that you are still alive means there is hope for you to still achieve more and I believe the new year will be better for all of us.”

Reflecting on the industry’s performance in the past 12 months, Oduntan gave a positive assessment, noting that the industry saw a 60 to 70 percent improvement.

“In the course of the year, the maritime industry has been about 60% to 70% better than last year,” Oduntan said citing several landmark achievements for Nigeria on the global stage including
Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C, the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and technological advancement in customs operations.

He added, “Even though some of the technological shift came with its initial teething challenge, today, agents are able to clear their consignment through the Authosised  Economic Operator ( AEO) program now-the advanced form of fast track, the Time Release Study is there, and the B’Odogwu even with the teething problem, which we know will fade away and it’s now about 70% resolved.

“The single window is there, which all of us are looking forward to . The rollout time is first quarter of 2026 and all the teething challenges are being sorted out the year.

“So, at least, we can score the industry 60% to 70% of improvement, ” he said.

Beyond industry issues, Oduntan also highlighted his personal commitment to capacity building. He disclosed that through his direct and indirect mentorship, no fewer than 20 members have secured their operating license this year.

“I don’t need to praise myself But I encourage and guide people. I have guided people from within and outside the industry including about eight former corporate bankers into the maritime sector with five of them now actively involve in export and three into importation, ” he said.

Speaking on the proposed increase in customs license renewal fees, which is expected to take effect next year, Oduntan warned against pre-empting  customs.

He noted that while customs have conducted their yearly inspection of licenses without mentioning the hikes, the association remains vigilant.

“The Customs of today is different. They engage with us and prioritise integrity. If there is a reason to talk, we will talk and make our stand known. Our silent does not mean acceptance, ” he said.

“Customs officers have come and do their yearly inspection of license . Do you hear Customs say anything about come and pay N4million license renewal or N10 million for new license. We don’t need to pre-empt customs on what they will do by next year January. If you are pre-empting that means you are instigating us against one another so don’t pre-empt. The customs of today always engage with us. They are not far from us, ” he said.

On expectations for 2026, Oduntan expressed optimism that the year will witness further growth specifically citing the first-quarter rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) as a game-changer.

“Our expectation is that the industry will not slip back from Category C. We hope that the Single Window is implemented as planned so we can enjoy seamless operations, the way we saw it practiced in other climes. We want our local practitioners, government agencies to be on the same page with global standards,” he stated.

In his goodwill message, Chairman, ANLCA, BoT, Alh. Taiwo Mustapha, represented by BoT member, Dayo Azeez reminded members that their relevance in the industry depends on holding valid operational licenses.

He advised members who may struggle with the rising costs of operational licenses to consider mergers.

“The only thing that makes you relevant in this industry is your operational license. If the cost is high, come together and merge so you can remain active and relevant,” Azeez advised.

Photo caption:

R-L: Vice President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan; Treasurer, Bola Muse, and Patron Taiye Oyeniyi at the ANLCA end-of -year celebration hosted by Oduntan in Apapa on Wednesday.