– Seeks Information Sharing between Customs PROs and ANLCA Counterparts
By Innocent Orok
As the Emenike Nwokeoji led Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) National Executive Committee ( NECOM) clocks one year in office, the National Publicity Secretary ( NPS) Emmanuel Onyeme in a chat with journalists expressed optimism that the Association is getting better and need prayers from all. He also talk on clearing activities and the need for information sharing between Customs PROs and their ANLCA counterparts .He spoke on government policies, which he pleaded with the Federal government to relaxed some of the policies that is affecting the clearing process in the port, especially the fluctuating Exchange rate. Roamrepporters Online reports:
ONE YEAR OF ANLCA NECOM:
Yes, this current NECOM turn one year in office on the 7th of September 2024. The current leadership inherited significant internal issues and has spent the past year attempting to restore order and functionality amidst constant disruptions.
“We came into office at a time when the association was deeply divided, and, to be honest, we inherited a mess. Instead of supporting our efforts to clean things up and move forward, same individuals who caused the chaos have been making our job even harder. It’s like they don’t want ANLCA to succeed.”
Onyeme said factionalism, lingering disputes, and lack of financial accountability are the major problems the current executive has been dealing with since assuming office. He stated that the leadership has been working tirelessly to restore unity, but progress has been slow due to constant interference from both internal and external elements determined to undermine their efforts.
“Many people don’t realize how bad things were financially when we took over. The association’s accounts were practically depleted, and we had to start from scratch. We’ve had to make difficult decisions, including cutting back on expenses and prioritizing the association’s core needs.Still, despite all our efforts, there are people who would rather see us fail than acknowledge the hard work we’ve put in.”
The ANLCA National Executive, led by President Tony Iju Nwabunike, has faced intense criticism from some quarters, particularly from factions that had previously been in control. Onyeme suggested that some of these criticisms were politically motivated, designed to weaken the new leadership’s authority and distract them from their achievements. “It’s unfortunate that instead of unity, some people are bent on sowing seed of discord,” he lamented.
One of the biggest achievements of the current executive, according to Onyeme, has been the steps taken to restore peace within the association. He noted that before the current leadership took over, ANLCA was plagued by constant infighting and leadership disputes, which affected the morale of members and the association’s credibility in the eyes of stakeholders. “We’ve come a long way in healing those wounds, but it’s a gradual process. Rebuilding trust takes time,” he said.
PROJECTION FOR YEARS AHEAD:
As part of efforts to promote mutual cooperation for information sharing , the ANLCA NPS has proposed a working relationship between the Public Relations Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and all Chapter spokesmen of the association.
Onyeme stated that moves are ongoing to engage management of the NCS towards ensuring seamless operations through communication and information sharing between ANLCA and Customs.
The NPS added that his projection for his second year in office will focus on how to strengthen the communication mechanism of chapter spokesmen of ANLCA in line with operational activities at the seaports.
He stressed the need for chapter PROs of the association to work closely with him for information dissemination against the background of grassroot operations adding that the task ahead requires collective responsibility .
He stated that”One year in office so far so good is a bit calm but I will continue to say that ANLCA is one family and that is what we want to project this time around.
“For now , I can say we are gradually embracing peace in the association and I believe now is the time to work with the grassroot PROs.
“We are looking forward on how to work closely with the PROs from the chapters on how we can manage operational information in line with national activities.
“We are also looking at how we can collaborate with Customs PROs for effective communication through seminars or workshops . A joint seminar is needed at this time to promote trade facilitation.
“Once we are done with the BOT elections, we will start the process with the customs, a better collaboration with customs on information sharing is key for port operations.
Onyeme who was a former Public Relations Officer,Tin Can Island Chapter of ANLCA, noted that a single platform that will comprise customs and ANLCA image makers is needed with the sole aim to achieve accuracy in terms of information.
GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN CLEARING:
On the clearing activities in the ports, ONYEME said importation have dropped significantly and many companies are not importing raw materials again, while some are sourcing it locally. He said export activities has also improved, but the balance of trade between import and export is still wide.
” Government policies is affecting importation, as I speak to you, many companies are no longer importing raw materials, they are sourcing it here, like the plastics. Moreso, the government policies is badly affecting clearing activities, especially the fluctuating Exchange rate. We plead with the government to at least fixed the exchange rate for importation”.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IN THE PORTS:
The ANLCA NPS, said the Customs processes is being geared towards trade facilitation. He said compliance is the key. According to him ” Customs is not delaying consignments, is about compliance , everything being equal and your consignment is compliance you can take delivery within three days, I have done it several times. So, Customs is not delaying, unless there are issues, which are not cause by Customs.
” I commend the CG of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, his management team and some of the Area Controllers who are doing their best to facilitate trade. I want to call on our members to continue to upgrade themselves on this job , because everything now is going digital, so we won’t be left behind in this job”.
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