Oduntan, ANLCA VP, BoT Chairman, Rally Members on Operating License

…As End of Year Party Attracts Huge Turnout

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) and the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha and Prince Segun Oduntan, respectively, on Thursday, appealed to members and clearing agents from other groups to consider coming together in groups of four, five or six players for the purpose of acquiring an operating license due to its recent hike by the federal government.

The ANLCA BoT who was represented by colleague board member, Dayo Azeez, said there is nothing wrong in merging to be able to actively play in the industry, noting that merger is a function of modern day business process that requires huge capital financing.

This is even as Oduntan who observed that there is nothing to be ashamed of in merger, however cautioned against unnecessary speculation regarding the recent policy hike in the cost of license renewal by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“The Customs of today is different. They engage with us and prioritize integrity. Our silence does not mean acceptance, but we won’t pre-empt them. Customs officers have come and they have done their yearly inspection of license. Did you hear Customs say anything about them saying ‘come and pay N4million license renewal or N10 million for new license? We don’t need to pre-empt customs on what they will do. If you are pre-empting them that means you are instigating us against one another, so we should not pre-empt them. The customs of today always engage with us. They are not far from us,” he said.

The BoT Chairman and Vice President were speaking on Thursday when the latter hosted the end of year celebration which drew an impressive turnout of its members and other licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, and industry stakeholders.

The lively gathering, which has become a decade long tradition for Oduntan, provided a platform for members of ANLCA and sister associations such as the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) to relax, network, and reflect on the year’s milestones.

Among dignitaries present at the occasion were ANLCA patron, Prince Taiye Oyeniyi, Board of Trustees (BoT) member, Dayo Azeez, Western Zone Coordinator, Alhaji  Femi Anifowose, chapter chairmen of Apapa, Tin Can Island, PTML and Seme, as well as frontline freight forwarding leaders including Barr. Ada Akpunonu and Hajia Bola Muse.

Speaking with journalists, Oduntan described the event as a moment of thanksgiving and renewal, emphasizing that although he started the popular yearly get together, quite a lot of members have stepped in to co-sponsor the event; showing reporters a long list of financial contributions by members.

“If God has kept us for almost 365 days, we should be grateful. That is the essence of this year get- together, just for us to merry together, talk and chat together. We are grateful for life. At least that you are still alive means there is hope for you to still achieve more in life. I believe the New Year will be better for all of us”, he said.

Appraising the industry’s performance in the past 12 months, Oduntan said achievements and improvements were about 60 to 70 percent.

“In the course of the year, the maritime industry has been about 60% to 70% better than last year”, citing several landmark achievements both locally and at the global stage including trade tools like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), the Time Release Study and Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C, together with the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) .

“Even though some of the technological shift came with its initial teething challenges, today, agents are able to clear their consignment through the AEO program  which is now the advanced form of fast track, the Time Release Study is there, and the B’Odogwu even with the teething problem, which we know will fade away and it’s now about 70% resolved.

“The single window is there, which all of us are looking forward to. The rollout time is first quarter of 2026 and all the teething challenges are being sorted out. So, at least, we can score the industry 60% to 70% of improvement,” he said.

On his involvement in supporting and assisting members on sundry capacity building issues, he said he thank God for making him an instrument.

“I don’t need to praise myself bt I encourage and guide people. I have guided people from within and outside the industry including about eight former corporate bankers into the maritime sector with five of them now actively involved in export and three into import businesses.

“On the area of helping to secure operating licenses and renewal, l believe that those who are favoured can continue to give helping hands to others. I am grateful to God that l am able to assist in any little way l can, any time the opportunity is there,” he said.

Oduntan expressed optimism for the coming year, particularly with the rollout of the national single window (NSW), which he described as a potential game changer for seamless operations.

“We expect the industry to remain in Category C and align with global standards”

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of ANLCA BoT Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, BoT member Dayo Azeez reminded members that their relevance in the industry hinges on holding valid operational licenses. He advised those struggling with rising costs to consider mergers as a survival strategy.

“The only thing that makes you relevant in this industry is your operational license. If the cost is high, come together and merge so you can remain active and relevant,” Azeez urged.