ARSONCS Honours ANLCA BoT Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji (Barr.) Taiwo Mustapha has received a Plaque of Honour from the Association of Retired Senior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (ARSONCS), Lagos Chapter, for Outstanding Performance and Contributions to Humanity.

The presentation of the award which took place yesterday, November 27, 2025 during the group’s colourful end of year party, was held at the Customs Training School Ikeja.

Aside Alhaji Mustapha, the retired officers group also recognised ANLCA President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, the representative of the Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR at the event, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede.

ARSONCS in the same vein recognized the following retired and serving officers, namely DCG Mulikat Adegoke Rtd, ACG Dr. Kofo Olugbesan Rtd, ACG Jeieloye Afolayan Rtd, Compt J. F. Brigue Rtd, Compt. I. S. A. Alanamu Rtd, Compt. Saratu Shaba Rtd, an CSC A. H. Afinowi Rtd.

Others are Compt. M. T. Awe, Compt. Н. H. Haddison,  Compt. Joy E. Edelduok, Compt. Frank Onyeka, Compt. Joe Anani, ACG Mohammed Shuaibu, DC Umah Ahmed, and DC A. Ahmed.

Presenting the plaque of honour, ACG T. O Aremu Rtd, ARSONCS Vice Chairman urged the ANLCA Board Chairman not to relent in building society, and in contributing to the growth of customs trade, in addition to the offering of needful support to humanity.

“You have proven to be more than just a focused, result oriented business man, but  as a stabilizing agent of growth in the customs trade and the port economy”, Aremu said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of ARSONCS, DCG G.T Aliu Rtd said the end of year get together is primarily a day of thanksgiving to God, and a day to recognize outstanding personalities.

“If is with great delight that I welcome you all into this all-important social gathering. Today’s gathering is organized by the Lagos branch referred to as ARSONCS, and our members are located mainly within the southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria.

“I wish to say that this is not a gathering of speech making. Rather, it is a day of merriment and social interaction. To our members, it is also a day of thanksgiving to God, who has been so good to us in the course of the year”, he said.

The amiable DCG Aliu said it is a thing of pride to serve in the Nigeria Customs Service and thanked those still in service while urging them to continue to fly the flag; assuring them of a place at ARSONCS in due course.

“Before the stage is opened for merriment, let me quickly extend my hands of fellowship to our serving senior officers present and by extension, those working under them that as soon as they individually complete their years of service, ARSONCS is where they belong. Our arms are opened to receive them.”

Speaking further he said ARSONCS is just a subset of a larger, national body known as the National Association of Retired Senior Officers of Nigeria Customs Service (NARSONCS).

Also speaking, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the 2025 End of Year Party and Awards, Elder (Compt) Olu Ogunnojemite Rtd, explained that the association which was formed between 1991 and 1993 has been nurtured through the very dedicated efforts of the founding fathers and mothers, including DCG Ogunbode and Elder, Compt. J. F Brigue Rtd.

He explained that although end of year activities which used to be a routine was put on hold due to Covid-19 until now, he expressed the hope that subsequently, the end of year party will be fully revived.

While expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha described officers of the NCS and Customs licensed brokers as family, and must find a common ground to do what is best for customs trade and the welfare of both gentlemen officers and customs brokers.