The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has recently elected a new Board of Trustees (BoT), and industry stakeholders are calling on the new board to tackle the pressing challenges facing Nigeria's Customs brokerage sector. Among those making the call is Olawale Cole, Senior Special Adviser to ANLCA’s National President on Government Warehouses, who has urged the newly elected board to focus on unity, collaboration, and progress within the association.
The newly elected BoT members include Taiwo Mustapha, Ernest Elochukwu, Kingsley Offor, Dennis Okafor, Sunday Momoh, Dayo Azeez, Sanni Utai, Tunde Awonuga, and Ademola Mumuney, all respected figures within the Customs brokerage and maritime sectors. Cole congratulated them on their election victory, emphasizing that this new board has the potential to bring about significant progress in the industry. He urged the trustees to prioritize the collective interests of ANLCA over personal or sectional agendas.
According to Cole, the experience and expertise of the new BoT members could be instrumental in driving development within ANLCA and the broader maritime industry. He stressed that collaboration and unity will be key to strengthening the association and ensuring it remains a leading force in Nigeria's maritime sector. ANLCA stands at a pivotal moment. The decisions made by this new Board of Trustees will shape the future of the association and the entire Customs brokerage industry. This is not the time for division but for collaboration, as we work together for the greater good, Cole stated.
Olawale Cole highlighted several critical issues that the new BoT should prioritize. Among these are the need for better regulatory frameworks, improved access to government warehouses, and intensified efforts to combat corruption within the industry. He urged the board to engage closely with government agencies and other stakeholders to develop solutions that will benefit Customs brokers and the maritime sector as a whole.
The Customs brokerage profession is evolving rapidly due to shifts in global trade and regulatory changes. Cole emphasized that ANLCA must lead the way in adapting to these transformations by implementing forward-thinking policies that improve operational efficiency and safeguard the interests of its members. We need forward-thinking policies that not only improve operational efficiency but also safeguard the interests of our members. I believe the new Board of Trustees has the capacity to guide us in this direction, he said.
Cole also stressed the importance of continuous dialogue between the BoT and ANLCA’s executive leadership. Effective communication and collaboration between these two groups, he said, will be critical for the success of the association. By working together, the BoT and executive team can develop strategies that not only resolve internal conflicts but also address external challenges impacting Customs brokers across the country.
Additionally, Cole encouraged the BoT to be proactive in their leadership roles and to advocate for policies that promote professionalism and integrity within the Customs brokerage industry. He noted that ANLCA’s future success depends on the board’s ability to set a strong example and push for reforms that will elevate the standards of the profession.
As the new BoT takes the reins, Cole took a moment to commend the outgoing board members for their dedication and service to the association. He urged them to continue supporting the newly elected board during the transition period, recognizing that their experience and guidance will be invaluable. The outgoing board's contributions have laid a foundation that the new trustees can build upon as they tackle the significant challenges ahead.
The election of the new BoT is seen as an opportunity for ANLCA to strengthen its leadership and become a more influential force in shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime and logistics industries. With a unified and proactive board, ANLCA is well-positioned to lead the way in addressing long-standing issues within the Customs brokerage sector, such as regulatory reform, operational efficiency, and the fight against corruption.
In conclusion, the success of ANLCA's new Board of Trustees will largely depend on their ability to foster collaboration, implement innovative policies, and advocate for the interests of Nigeria’s Customs brokers. By doing so, they can help ensure the association continues to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the country’s maritime and logistics industries.