The National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Emenike Nwokeoji on Friday introduced the newly elected executives of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) led by its Chairman, Ahmed Olajide Bello to the management of the KLT Customs Command.
On the entourage of the President were his national officers, including the Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, the National Secretary, Olumide Fakanlu, the Zonal Coordinator, Femi Anifowoshe among others.
The team were received by the KLT Customs Comptroller, Joy Edelduok.
Speaking on activities of the customs command, Compt Edelduok said that out of the 13 bonded warehouses under the command, very few of them are in active operation.
Despite this drop in trade volume, she said the command generated N38 billion for the first quarter of 2025. and this reflects a 61% increase over the first quarter of 2024.
According to her, without the active participation of ANLCA and other stakeholders, the Customs would not be able to achieve its target.
She acknowledged the importance of the role ANLCA plays at the command, even as she pledged a better working relationship with every one of the new Executives of KLT Chapter led by its Chairman, Ahmed Olajide Bello.
On trade facilitation, Compt Edelduok appealed to the ANLCA team to canvass their importers to make use of KLT command as Port of destination, assuring of 24hours cargo delivery.
She also urged the agents and importers to make genuine and honest declarations at all times, in order to ensure faster cargo clearance.
“I want to make an appeal, we know that you are the ones that interface with your importers, we don’t know your importers, you are the ones that we know. so you are the ones that will take the word back to them to bring their consignment to KLT” she said.
Also speaking, ANLCA President, Emenike Nwokeoji introduced his KLT executives to the Customs Comptroller, saying that the association has returned to take its pride of place after suffering a five years internal crisis in 2018.
Emenike assured the customs boss that the association would embark on a Crusade and champion the movement of cargoes to KLT Command, even as he commended the leadership style of the Comptroller.
“Trade facilitation is important, everything should not be about revenue. If infraction is something you can overlook, please overlook it and caution the agent. The officers should please take it easy with an average agent, we are going through a whole lot,” he posited.
On the aspect of making honest declarations, the ANLCA President pledged to continue sensitising agents and importers across board on the need to ensure honest declarations.
“The speed of the cargo clearance cannot be what it ought to be if the declaration is not right, we are sensitising our importers and members on the need to always make honest declarations” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Vice National President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan assured the KLT Customs boss that the association would now put efforts in ensuring that containers are stemmed to the Command.
“The atmosphere here is very good, when you have women in management positions, we believe things go better. As we step out of here today, we would do more to assist you,” Oduntan asserted.
Speaking when the visitation train moved to the KLT Chapter Secretariat, the chapter Chairman, Ahmed Olajide Bello appreciated the ANLCA President for his unwavering support and leadership.
“To our esteemed stakeholders and our members, we appreciate your collaboration and we look forward to strengthen our participation for smoother trade facilitation at KLT Chapter
“To our terminal operators and government agencies, your role in port operations is indispensable and we are committed to foster an harmonious working relationship with you all.
“This new executive is aware of the responsibilities before us, our mission is to clear, promote trade efficiency, compliances, and stakeholder collaboration at KLT terminal. With your support, we are confident of achieving remarkable progress” Olajide stated.
Addressing members at the Secretariat, the ANLCA National President, Emenike Nwokeoji also urged the members to work together in peace and support the new executives, adding that no leader can function beyond the support given to him by members.
