The era of operating without customs license will soon be a thing of the past - ANLCA National president

The National President Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Mr Emenike Nwokeoji has said that the era of operating without license as a clearing Agent will soon be a thing of the past.

Speaking to members of ANLCA Eastern Zone, who trooped in their numbers to welcome him Monday, in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital after returning from the recently concluded ANLCA election, he said "operating without a license is limiting yourselves" even as he insisted that going forward, the licenses would begin to count for effective operation as a licensed customs agent.

“Don't operate without any license. Get your license to avoid operating like a tout,” he admonished.

Nwokeoji who promised assistance for those trying to get their operating licenses said people can form cooperatives to enable them raise the finances to do that, noting that even when such is done and jobs captured, every individual would know the job that belongs to him.

Nwokeoji who had paid glowing tribute to Chief Sir Ernest Elochukwu and other ANLCA members for the massive support he got, said his victory was made possible by God Almighty. "Our coming back with this glory that belongs to God, is that if you're determined the sky is your limit" he insisted, even as he promised that "with your support and God on our side, we shall make a positive impact" adding that "no leader can perform beyond the support of the people he is leading."

Continuing, he said, "I will only ask let's not chicken out, let's work together for the upliftment of our association."

The former National president, and now a BoT member, Chief Ernest Elochukwu said the election was now over, insisting that all ANLCA members should come on board to build a formidable, respectful and purposeful association that will take its place in nation building.

He said in the past, people were enthroned into positions because they were favoured not merited but today, the right thing has been done through the election of Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji as the national president of ANLCA.

He however, solicited the maximum support of the Eastern Zone to enable him succeed even as he admonished that members should desist from thinking of their individual gains but how to move the association forward.

In his remarks, the former Eastern Zonal Chairman, Chief Uche Martins said he was optimistic that Mr. Emenike would succeed. He noted that with Emenike on the ANLCA National saddle, the Association is in good hands. He enjoined every member to accord him and his team the needed support.

To Dr. Chinyere Celestina Okere, it was wonderful working among men. She thanked God for all he has done and charged every ANLCA member to come together to strengthen the Association. She regretted that the crisis which engulfed ANLCA for some years now, has robbed it of success.

But she said, going forward, ANLCA is positioned to take back her rightful position. She added that the Association would continue to partner with the Nigerian Customs Service as a united body for effective service delivery.

The event featured cultural displays including the famous Ohafia War Dance among others.