The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has unveiled a series of activities to commemorate its 72nd anniversary, with the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and other key stakeholders expected to grace the celebration.
The anniversary, which will be celebrated under the theme “ANLCA @72: Celebrating the Legacy of Professionalism, Advancing Trade Facilitation and Shaping the Future of Customs Brokerage,” is scheduled to hold from September 27-29, 2026 at the Lagos Marriott Hotel in Lagos.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Monday, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Prince Segun Oduntan, said the anniversary was put together to celebrate ANLCA’s survival over seven decades, sustained peace, and transformation into a more professional organization.
According to him, the association’s ability to attain 72 years was worth celebrating, particularly in view of the challenges it had faced over the years.
He said, “We thank God Almighty that we are still alive to witness another anniversary. Where there is peace, that is where business and harmony thrive.”
He said the celebration will feature a table tennis tournament, recognition of outstanding members and stakeholders, support for less-privileged members and the unveiling of a customised bank-enabled identification card for members.
Oduntan said the anniversary programme would begin with the table tennis tournament on September 27, designed to create bonding among members across the association’s various chapters.
He explained that one representative would be selected from each chapter to participate in the tournament, adding that the initiative was deliberately chosen to encourage interaction among members rather than merely focus on competition.
The LOC chairman also disclosed that the anniversary would include activities aimed at remembering deceased members and supporting less-privileged members of the association.
He said the initiative would not be limited to Lagos, as the anniversary committee intended to ensure that the gesture reached the four geographical zones of the association — East, West, North and South-South.
According to him, the leadership would provide support to members in need and encourage other chapters to replicate the gesture within their respective areas.
He said the anniversary would also provide an opportunity for ANLCA to celebrate its past leaders, members, partners and stakeholders, who had contributed to its survival and development.
Oduntan said the main anniversary celebration,would hold on September 29 from 9am to 9pm.
He explained that the programme would be divided into two morning and evening sessions.
The gala night, he said, would feature the recognition of individuals who had contributed significantly to the growth and development of ANLCA or served the association in various capacities.
Oduntan said the anniversary would attract several major stakeholders in the maritime industry, including the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as Special Guest of Honour, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA) Chairperson of ENL Terminal, Chief Mrs Olori Haastrup; Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Registrar Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria ( CRFFN) and representatives of shipping companies and terminal operators among others.
One of ANLCA’s former presidents, Chief Peter Okocha, is expected to serve as Chairman of the Day.
Other past leaders expected to attend include former National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu; Alhaji Mohammed Inua; Senator Sanni Kamba; Sir (Chief) Ernest Elochukwu; and Chief James Idornigie.
The LOC chairman said the broad participation of stakeholders demonstrated the important role ANLCA had continued to play in Nigeria’s maritime and trade facilitation ecosystem.
He said the association was returning to a major anniversary celebration after about 12 years, adding that the decision to celebrate at 72 was based on the principle that every milestone of survival and progress was worth recognising.
“Some say, why don’t you make it 75 or 80? But we want to tell you that life is worth celebrating for those who are alive.
“If we are 73, we might decide to do 73 again. Every time you are alive, you celebrate. Every morning you wake up to life, you celebrate.” he said.
Oduntan said the anniversary would therefore serve both as a thanksgiving and as an avenue to strengthen unity within the association.
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