AT 72, ANLCA REMAINS TOWERING PILLAR OF EXCELLENCE IN MARITIME SECTOR – NARTO CHAIRMAN, ALHAJI KAYODE ODUNOWO

_NARTO Lagos Felicitates Nigeria’s Oldest Customs Brokers; Hails Seven Decades Of Integrity, Professionalism And Trade Facilitation

By Iyioluwa Samuel
Lagos

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos State Branch, has joined other critical stakeholders in the maritime industry to felicitate with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on the occasion of its 72nd anniversary, describing ANLCA as a towering pillar of excellence and integrity in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

In a goodwill and felicitation message personally signed by the Lagos State Chairman of NARTO, Alhaji Kayode Odunowo, the association said ANLCA’s 72nd anniversary is not just a celebration of years, but a celebration of resilience, leadership, sacrifice and immeasurable contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s seaports and trade facilitation processes.

IT IS A MOMENTOUS CELEBRATION – ODUNOWO
The message titled “FELICITATION MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF THE 72ND ANNIVERSARY OF ANLCA” reads in part:

“It is with profound joy and deep respect that I, on behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), in Lagos State, extend our warmest felicitation to the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on the momentous celebration of its 72nd Anniversary.”

Alhaji Odunowo noted that for over seven decades, ANLCA has stood tall as a beacon of professionalism, capacity building and progressive leadership, setting the standard for Customs brokerage and freight forwarding practice in Nigeria.

According to him, ANLCA’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of service has not only elevated the Customs brokerage profession but has also contributed immensely to the efficiency, competitiveness and international reputation of Nigeria’s seaports.

ANLCA’S WISDOM SHAPES POLICIES – NARTO
The NARTO Chairman particularly commended what he described as the sagacious ability, visionary foresight and strategic acumen that have consistently guided ANLCA through the complex and often turbulent terrain of the maritime industry.

He said ANLCA’s thoughtful engagement with government, especially the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Ministry of Transportation, and other industry stakeholders and international partners, continues to shape policies, protect the interests of practitioners and advance the cause of seamless trade and ease of doing business at the ports.

“This rare blend of wisdom, resilience and institutional strength that ANLCA has demonstrated over 72 years is truly worthy of celebration and emulation by all associations in the transport and logistics value chain,” Odunowo stated.

He stressed that as road transport owners who move over 80% of cargoes in and out of the ports, NARTO understands and appreciates the critical role ANLCA plays as the bridge between importers, Customs and transporters, noting that without licensed Customs agents, the logistics chain would be incomplete.

CELEBRATING GENERATIONS OF DEDICATION

Alhaji Odunowo also celebrated generations of dedicated licensed Customs agents, founding fathers, past presidents, Board of Trustees members and current leadership who have built and sustained the noble association for 72 years.

He singled out the current National President, Sir Emenike Kingsley Nwokeji, for praise, noting that his leadership has brought stability, inclusiveness and renewed vigour to ANLCA at a time when unity is most needed in the freight forwarding sub-sector.

“As you mark this historic milestone, we celebrate the generations of dedicated licensed Customs agents who have built and sustained this noble Association. May the next chapter of ANLCA’s journey be marked by even greater accomplishments, deeper industry impact and continued excellence,” he said.

The NARTO boss reiterated the commitment of NARTO Lagos to continue to collaborate with ANLCA, NAGAFF, MWUN, AMATO, LASTCOC and other stakeholders to ensure seamless cargo evacuation, end gridlock on port access roads and promote sanity and professionalism in the maritime trucking sector.

LONG LIVE ANLCA
Concluding his message, Alhaji Odunowo prayed for greater prosperity and longevity for ANLCA, its leadership and entire membership across the country.

“Once again, congratulations on 72 years of distinguished service to the nation. Long live ANLCA! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” the message added.

Industry observers say the felicitation from NARTO, the umbrella body of truck owners in Nigeria, further underscores the pivotal and respected position ANLCA occupies as Nigeria’s oldest Customs brokerage and freight forwarding association, and highlights the growing unity among critical stakeholders in the maritime industry.