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The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has unveiled activities to mark its 72nd anniversary, including a novelty table tennis championship, industry lectures and empowerment programmes for members
The anniversary celebration is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, while the one-day table tennis tournament will hold on September 27 at Not Bad Sports Arena, Egbeda.
Expected guests include the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, who will speak on port infrastructure development; and maritime lawyer Emeka Akabogu, who will deliver the keynote lecture.
Speaking on Monday, ANLCA National President, Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, said the association was celebrating not only its longevity but also its resilience and unity after overcoming years of internal challenges.
He noted that the last anniversary celebration was the 60th anniversary held 12 years ago under former National President Olayiwola Shittu.
“The most important thing we are celebrating is our unity. We have weathered many storms, yet ANLCA has emerged stronger. Many believed the association would not survive, but today it remains a formidable institution,” he said.
Nwokeoji also disclosed that the current National Executive Committee (NECOM) marks its third anniversary this August, acknowledging that internal opposition from some members has remained a major challenge.
According to him, some members continue to approach association affairs with partisan politics rather than collective interest, often publicly criticising the leadership instead of resolving issues internally.
Despite this, he said the administration has remained focused on strengthening the association and avoiding unnecessary public disputes.
Highlighting ANLCA’s transformation, Nwokeoji commended the Nigeria Customs Service under Adeniyi for driving reforms that have modernised cargo clearance operations.
He said members have undergone extensive training to keep pace with digital customs procedures, including the National Single Window initiative, adding that professionalism is steadily replacing quackery in the freight forwarding industry.
Chairman of the anniversary organising committee and ANLCA Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, said the novelty table tennis tournament will feature participants from all ANLCA chapters nationwide, with officials of the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation serving as umpires.
He added that members arriving from Eastern ports and Northern chapters would use September 28 to settle in before the main anniversary event.
Beyond sports, Oduntan said the anniversary programme will include empowerment initiatives for widows, elderly members and other vulnerable persons within the association, reinforcing ANLCA’s commitment to member welfare.
