ANLCA@72: Oduntan-led LOC generates N128m, returns N33m surplus 

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) 72nd anniversary celebration has disclosed that it generated N128 million for the event and returned a balance of N33 million to the association’s coffers after settling all outstanding payments to vendors.

The committee, chaired by the association’s National Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, made the disclosure during ANLCA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Lagos, where Oduntan presented and submitted the committee’s report to the National President, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji.

Oduntan said the committee generated the funds despite not receiving any take-off grant at the initial stage of its assignment. He added that about 90 per cent of the money raised came from members of the association.

The disclosure triggered applause and jubilation among members present at the NEC meeting held at the association’s national secretariat.

In his response, Nwokeoji commended the committee for what he described as a job well done, noting that its efforts had left the association financially better off after a successful anniversary celebration.

Also speaking, the Chairman of ANLCA’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, described the 72nd anniversary as a major success despite initial challenges, particularly funding constraints and shortcomings in reaching out to some industry stakeholders.

Mustapha disclosed that he had received complaints from some stakeholders who said they were not invited to the celebration. He commended the LOC for its performance and urged members to continue serving the association selflessly.

Meanwhile, the NEC meeting deliberated on the alleged interference of the Maritime Police in cargo clearance operations, particularly at the Apapa port, describing the development as a major concern to members.

The association noted that the practice is not only frustrating members’ operation but as exposed them to risk as they were often required to shuttle between the ports and the Maritime Police office on Moloney Street, Lagos, to resolve issues involving blocked containers.

Members also raised concerns over allegations that such interventions were sometimes linked to the exchange of money.

Consequently, the NEC resolved to constitute a new ANLCA-Police Relations Committee to engage the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and seek a lasting resolution to the issue.

The association argued that police personnel attached to the ports, alongside the Department of State Services (DSS) and other government agencies, participate in cargo examinations and endorse relevant examination documents.

It further questioned the basis for the Maritime Police’s investigations at its Moloney Street office, noting that the facility lacks the examination bays and equipment required to conduct cargo examinations.