ANLCA VP Oduntan felicitates Muslim stakeholders on Eid-el-Fitr, calls for Shippers’ Council mediation over shipping disputes

The Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Segun Oduntan, has felicitated Muslim stakeholders within the maritime industry and across the nation on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

The celebration marks the completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast, a period dedicated to prayer, purification, and spiritual reflection.

In a statement released on Friday, Oduntan urged the Muslim faithful to move beyond the festivities and reflect on the sacrifices and lessons learned during the holy month.

He emphasized that the virtues of self-discipline, compassion, and honesty practiced during Ramadan should be integrated into their professional lives within the freight forwarding practice and the wider maritime sector.

“The end of Ramadan is not just a time for celebration, but a moment to carry forward the spirit of piety and dedication into our daily dealings,” the statement reads. “I urge all our members and stakeholders to let the lessons of the fast guide their conduct in the interest of a more transparent and efficient port system.”

Commenting on the recent picketing of MSC and other shipping lines in Lagos by aggrieved agents over tariff hikes, Oduntan emphasized that while the association will always protect its members’ interests, sustainable change will only come through structured dialogue.

He called on the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, to lead the mediation between shipping companies and freight agents for an amicable resolution.

The ANLCA Vice President highlighted the importance of industrial peace, noting that the maritime industry—a critical pillar of the Nigerian economy—thrives best in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared values.

He prayed for God’s blessings on the practitioners’ businesses and for the continued growth of the association.

He further encouraged members to remain steadfast in their support for the current leadership’s efforts to reposition ANLCA for better service delivery and advocacy.