ANLCA @ 72: LASTCOC Chairman Hails Customs Brokers as Pillars of Maritime Economy

…Describes ANLCA as Pacesetter and Trademark of Clearing & Forwarding Industry; Lauds 72 Years of Resilience and Professionalism

By Iyioluwa Samuel
Lagos

The Chairman of the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), Alhaji Lookman Rotimi Shittu, popularly known as Zangalo, has congratulated the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on its 72nd anniversary, describing the association as the pioneer and backbone of Nigeria’s maritime economy.

In a statement issued from his Apapa office, Shittu praised ANLCA as “an institution, a pacesetter, and a trademark of the clearing and forwarding industry,” noting that its 72 years represent resilience, sacrifice, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to national development.

According to Shittu, the history of port operations in Nigeria cannot be written without ANLCA, which has nurtured generations of customs brokers, freight forwarders, and maritime professionals who have kept the nation’s economic gateway functional.

“On behalf of LASTCOC members, executives, and patrons, I heartily congratulate ANLCA on its 72nd anniversary. For over seven decades, ANLCA has shown capacity, character, and commitment to national growth,” he stated.

He emphasized that ANLCA’s role extends beyond clearing and forwarding, highlighting its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation for the Federal Government, and the promotion of professionalism at the ports.

Commendation for Leadership
Shittu commended ANLCA’s founding fathers, past presidents, and Board of Trustees for their foresight and sacrifice, which have sustained the association despite policy inconsistencies and operational challenges.

He particularly lauded the current National President, Sir Emenike Kingsley Nwokeji, for his reform-driven leadership that has repositioned ANLCA for unity, stability, and greater relevance.

“Sir Emenike Nwokeji has brought renewed vigour and progressive leadership to ANLCA. He deserves commendation,” Shittu added.

As Chairman of State Government committee tasked with sanitizing trucking operations—Shittu pledged continued collaboration with ANLCA to ensure seamless cargo movement, eliminate multiple taxation, and restore sanity on port access roads.

He stressed that truckers and customs brokers are inseparable partners in the logistics chain, both vital to enhancing trade facilitation and supporting the Federal Government’s ease of doing business policy.

Celebrating 72 Years of Impact
Wishing ANLCA a colourful anniversary, Shittu prayed for continued success, unity, and greater achievements.

“Seventy-two years is not seventy-two days. ANLCA has endured, delivered, and remains the pacesetter. On this auspicious occasion, we at LASTCOC celebrate you and wish you more glorious years of service to Nigeria’s maritime industry,” he concluded.