Former President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tony Iju Nwabunike has enjoined the newly elected ANLCA executives to maintain peace in the association for the benefit and progress of all customs agents.
Nwabunike who spoke while congratulating the new President of the association, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, said ANLCA should not suffer the way it suffered in his administration, adding that If ANLCA is peaceful, it will help promote the business of members and other freight forwarders.
Nwabunike added that this was even more so considering the new customs administration which has come to introduce a new order as against the old order.
The former President described the administration of Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mr. Wale Adeniyi, as one that has come with a new order.
Nwabunike, who described the new Customs boss, Adeniyi as among the best things to happen to the industry at this particular time explained that this was because the new CG is a seasoned customs officer, adding that this is being demonstrated with the good things he has done so far since assuming office.
Nwabunike said, “he (Adeniyi) has actually started good things, modernisation of customs, removing units not necessary, like CG’s Strike Force. Adeniyi is a representation of law and order. He respects laws. I think it is going to be much better for the industry and for customs agents. It will be a robust relationship between the customs and freight forwarders.”
According to him, Adeniyi’s regime is one that has a listening ear as against what was the case before now.
He said that with this development, it is going to be easy for the new ANLCA executive headed by Nwokeoji.
He called on the new ANLCA executive to work with the new customs administration for the interest of the association and freight forwarders.
“The new Customs is here, the old order of not listening is over, the new order is that they listen to us now. The new administration is listening, doing modernization, it is going to be easy for any administration in ANLCA. It is an added advantage, whatever you want to do for ANLCA, think of whether it will be good for your family. On that note, I rejoice fully with the administration of Nwokeoji. The new President (Nwokeoji) called me and I said I will support him,” Nwabunike said.
On his advice for Farinto and his group who lost the election, Nwabunike insisted that they did not lose the election but paid a premium price to get to the level of peace now in the association.
Nwabunike added, “They did not lose, they have sacrificed, they always embrace peace, they should join hands in building ANLCA. Only God gives victory, nobody can fault it. All that we have been doing is to ensure justice and equity”.