ANLCA seeks more collaboration with Customs, NPA, others for seamless Port Operations

EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM, Port Harcourt

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, is seeking more collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Nigerian Customs Services and other relevant agencies to ensure seamless operations, cargo documentation and clearance at the Onne Sea Ports in Rivers State.

National President of ANLCA, Emenike Nwokeoji stated this in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit to the managements of the NPA, the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) and the Nigerian Customs Service, all at the Onne Sea Port.

The ANLCA President said he was at the Onne Port, in Rivers State, to officially introduce the newly elected executive of the Onne Sea Port Chapter of the Association to the managements of Customs, NPA, WACT, OMT and other agencies, to consolidate on the existing relationship between them and ANLCA.

He stressed the need for more synergy with these agencies and the ANLCA aimed at generating more revenue to the federal government and ensure seamless operation of his members, urged the managements of the agencies to improve on their services, especially, on the positioning of containers for examinations and maintenance on roads leading to their Terminals.

He also lauded the new leadership of the association at Onne Sea Port, led by Ifeanyi Isikaku for their efforts and encouraged them to always put ANLCA first in their decisions.

The President, during his official visit to the State, inaugurated the renovated ANLCA secretariat in Onne, and also commissioned a waiting bay built by WACT for the use of ANLCA members working within their Terminal.

The Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, while addressing Journalists shortly after after he received the National President of ANLCA and his entourage in his office, said they are partnering with the ANLCA in tackling the menace of importation of illicit drugs and other products in the state.

Babandede noted that the Customs operatives are working seamlessly with the agents in order to ensure maximal operation.

He said “Always the Service is willing to collaborate or work together with the forwarders. As you have listened to what I told them earlier, they should sensitise other members and also their importers about the need for them to jack-up the integrity of the organisation.

“In as much as the integrity is high, that will make it possible for us to facilitate their trade. But if the integrity is low, then there will be issues. And that is the only way to work in harmony, peace and you also remembered the CGC’s policy of trust, which is collaboration, consolidation and innovation.

We are working hand-in-hand with them in order to ensure maximal operations”.

Speaking on the State of Emergency earlier declared by the CGC on the seaport, Babandede said, “It has really worked and has helped us to carry out our job without any hindrance.

It has also ensured that the Port is sanitised. When you look at it, the volume of seizures has dropped drastically. It means compliance has started to go up and that is one of the advantages of the state of emergency”.

Addressing journalists, after the tour, the new ANLCA Chairman, Onne Sea Port Chapter, Ifeanyi Isikaku said “Today, our national President did not just introduce us to the management of the customs, we also went to the NPA, West Africa Container Terminal and Onne Multipurpose Terminal”.

He also expressed his administration’s preparedness to partner and support the Customs and other agencies for better services for their members.

ANLCA, Isikaku said “If you listened to his (Babandede) speech, he said he has saved over 101 containers since he came to Onne, which is a big feat that not everybody can achieve. And as a chapter chairman, I am coming to help him because we are also talking about security and public health.

“We are going to support the Customs in fighting against the importation of illicit drugs and other products through the Onne seaport. And together we will ensure that we build a nation that everybody will be proud of.”

Isikaku, who noted that the success, well-being and welfare of his members are the top priorities of his administration, advised his members to always be law-abiding.

“They should not be involved in anything that will affect national security, public health because nobody knows whose family will be victims to the illicit act,” he warned.

Members of the newly elected executive of ANLCA, Onne Sea Port Chapter include: Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku (Chairman), Alhaji Ahmed Zaccah (Vice Chairman), Mr. Onyinye Igweonu (Secretary), Pius Onyemaizu (Financial Secretary), Samuel Amadi (Treasurer), and Hon. Obinna Nwachukwu (PRO).

The Chairman also honoured the National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, former ANLCA President and BOT member, Chief Ernest Elochukwu and the pioneer Onne Chapter Chairman, Chief Jerry Kalu with meritorious service awards.