ANLCA Designate National Secretariat, Onne Zonal Secretariat for Members’ NSW Training

…As NEC Meeting Is Poised to Address Apapa Chapter Inconclusive Election

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has designated its National Secretariat in Lagos and the Onne Zonal Secretariat in Rivers State as training centres for members under the forthcoming National Single Window (NSW) project.

This announcement was made by the President of ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, during the Association’s first National Executive Council (NEC) meeting  held on Monday, February 16, 2026. In his address, Mr. Nwokeoji declared that ANLCA has “successfully reclaimed its lost image, position, and prestige during the tenure of the present NECOM,” attributing the achievement to the single-mindedness of purpose by all members. He emphasized that peace and harmony had been restored within the Association, enabling constructive engagements with government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry.

“Today is a new dawn in the recent history of our dear Association. To God alone, we bestow all the glory,” he said, adding that ANLCA’s progressive trajectory was evident in its role in shaping operational reforms. He cited the Association’s input into the Nigeria Customs Service-managed B’Odogwu platform, which he said now, allows agents to monitor jobs remotely, as a major milestone.

Looking ahead, Nwokeoji urged members to embrace the NSW training program wholeheartedly:

“We are about to embark on further training with the National Single Window, and I encourage all members to participate in the program with utmost interest. We’ve made it possible that these trainings are taken close to our members operating in the northern and eastern parts of the country. In the same vein, we have agreed that our National Secretariat and Onne Seaport Secretariat will be centres for this exercise.”

He further advised members to register promptly through their portals, assuring them that NECOM remains committed to alleviating their challenges. “Be assured that we cannot rest on our oars until victory is achieved with your support,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, ANLCA’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, described the NEC meeting as a crucial convergence of leaders across all zones and chapters. He noted the enthusiasm among members who traveled from Kano, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Calabar to attend.

“Like you rightly observed, the atmosphere is calm, everybody is happy that we are coming together to have this meeting. Everybody is looking forward to positive deliberations and discussions that will move ANLCA forward in this important industry,” Onyeme said.

He explained that the NEC meeting would inaugurate several committees, including the constitution review committee and the 70th anniversary committee, while also serving as a platform for accountability. “We must understand that essentially, the NEC meeting is designed to serve as check and balances to their activities in their various spheres,” he added.

When asked about the pending Apapa Chapter election, Onyeme confirmed that the NECOM and the Board of Trustees (boT)  would address the matter during the meeting.

“The NECOM and BoT will address that lacuna at this meeting,” he assured.

The announcement of training centers and the overall tone of unity at the NEC meeting drew enthusiastic reactions from members across zones.

Mr. Ibrahim Musa, a delegate from Kano, expressed optimism: “For the first time in years, we feel that ANLCA is truly listening to members in the northern region. The decision to bring NSW training closer to us is a welcome development. It shows inclusiveness.”

Mr. Festus Okafor from Enugu added: “The President’s words about reclaiming our lost image resonate with us. We have seen the difference in how ANLCA is now perceived by government agencies. The training will further empower us to adapt to new policies.”

From Lagos, Mr. Adewale Johnson noted: “The NEC meeting is not just about policies; it is about restoring confidence. The Apapa election issue has lingered too long, and we are glad it will finally be addressed here.”

Similarly, a member from Port Harcourt who did not reveal his name praised the leadership’s forward-looking approach: “The committees being inaugurated show that ANLCA is planning for the future. We are proud to be part of this new chapter.”

With optimism running high, members agreed that the NEC meeting has set the tone for a year of progress, unity, and professional growth, positioning ANLCA firmly on a path of renewed relevance in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Top dignitaries who attended the NEC opening session include the Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan; former National President and current Member BoT, Chief Ernest Elochukwu; National Secretary, Olumide Fakunle; NFS, Hajia Bola Muse; South West Coordinator, Alhaji  Femi Anifowose; BoT Secretary, Chief Kingsley Offor;  Pastor Goddy Soleji ;Chief Sunday Momoh; Emeka Chukwumalu; and Mr. Tope Akindele.

Others include Chief Mike Ebeatu, Wale Cole, Barr. Raymond Oyinba,  Pa Ike, Pius Ujuobonu, Alhaji Idowu Owoade, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, Alhaji Adewale Mummuny, among others.