Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike

Immediate past National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike has congratulated the new President of the association, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji , wishing him and his executive members robust tenure in office.

 Nwokeoji had during the election last week defeated former Deputy National President, Kayode Farinto in a keenly contested election.

Speaking on the outcome of the election, Nwabunike noted though his candidate, Farinto could not sail through in the election, he still wishes the new administration well for the overall interest of the teeming members of the association.

He said: “My main concern is for peace to reign in the association even after the elections, this will lead to the growth and progress for all customs agents. It is also very important in the association as it will promote the business of members and other freight forwarders.

“This Is even more so considering the new Customs Administration in Nigeria has come to introduce a new order as against the old order, which is to the benefit of the country and the citizens.”

Hon. Nwabunike, who described the new acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as one that has come with new order, said the former Customs image maker represents the new order in the country’s supply chain.

 According to him: “Adeniyi’s regime as Customs CG is one that has a listening ear as against what was the case before now. With this development, it is going to be easy for the new ANLCA executives headed by Nwokeoji to also come up with reforms.”

He therefore urged Emenike and his executive team in ANLCA to work with the new Customs Administration for the interest of the association, all freight forwarders and indeed the Nigerian economy.

He pointed that Adeniyi’s emergence as the Customs CG was a good development for every customs agent considering that he is a seasoned   administrator.

Nwabunike, who also described the new Customs boss, Adeniyi as among the best things to happen to the industry at this particular time, explained that this was because  the new CG is a seasoned customs officer, adding that this is being demonstrated with the good things he has done so far since assuming office.

Nwabunike said: “Adeniyi has actually started good things, modernisation of Customs processes, removing some units that are not necessary such as the CG’s Strike Force. Adeniyi is a representation of law and order. He respects laws. I think it is going to be a much better system for the industry and for customs agents. It will be a robust relationship the between the Customs and freight forwarders.”

He further advised Emenike and his executive to maintain the path of peace and to ensure that whatever they want to do, let them first consider its implication for the generality of ANLCA members.

He said: “My interest is that ANLCA must move forward, ANLCA should not suffer the way it suffered during my administration.  If ANLCA is peaceful, it will help our business.

The new Customs is here, the old order of not listening is over, the new order is that they listen to us now. The new administration is listening, carrying out modernization reforms, it is going to be easy for any administration in ANLCA. It is an added advantage, whatever you want to do for ANLCA, think of whether it will be good for your family. On that note, I rejoice fully with the administration of Nwokeoji.  The new President (Nwokeoji) called me and I said I will support him”.

On his advice to Farinto and his group who lost the election, Nwabunike insisted that they did not lose the election but paid premium price to get to the level of peace now in the association.

“They did not lose, they have sacrificed, they have always embraced peace, they should join hands in building ANLCA. Only God gives victory, nobody can fault it. All what we have been doing is to ensure justice and equity”, Nwabunike said.

Recall that Farinto had congratulated the new ANLCA EXCO, which stakeholders described as a rare show of magnanimity and sportsmanship in politics.