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The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island Chapter, Prince Wale Cole, has been honoured with the prestigious ANLCA Icon Award for his contributions to the growth and development of the association.
Cole received the award at ANLCA’s 72nd anniversary celebration in Lagos, where he was also conferred with the traditional title of Olu Omo of ANLCA, recognising his contributions and standing within the association.
The twin honours placed Cole among personalities celebrated at the anniversary for their contributions to ANLCA and the customs brokerage profession.
Speaking after receiving the Icon Award, Cole described the recognition as humbling, saying it demonstrated that the efforts of members committed to strengthening the association were being recognised.
He expressed appreciation to the ANLCA leadership, National Executive Committee (NECOM), anniversary organisers and members for considering him worthy of the honours.
Cole remarked the recognition would strengthen his commitment to initiatives aimed at improving the welfare, professionalism and standing of licensed customs agents.
He described the award as both a personal recognition and a responsibility for association leaders to promote unity and build a stronger professional body.
According to him, ANLCA’s 72-year history places a responsibility on current members to preserve its legacy while positioning the association for emerging challenges in the maritime and trade environment.
Cole noted that technological advancement, customs reforms and growing demands for faster and more transparent cargo clearance were reshaping the customs brokerage profession.
He, therefore, urged licensed customs agents to embrace professionalism, continuous learning and technology to remain competitive in the evolving port and trade environment.
The Tin Can Island Chapter chairman dedicated the recognition to his colleagues and members of the chapter, thanking them for their support and cooperation.
He also pledged to continue advocating issues affecting licensed customs agents and promoting constructive engagement between ANLCA, government agencies and other maritime stakeholders.
On his conferment as Olu Omo of ANLCA, Cole described the title as a special honour that carries the responsibility of promoting unity, fraternity and the collective interests of members.
He called on ANLCA members to support the association’s leadership and work collectively to strengthen the organisation as it enters another chapter of its 72-year history.
The anniversary celebration attracted customs agents, maritime stakeholders, government representatives and members of ANLCA, providing an opportunity to reflect on the association’s seven decades of contributions to Nigeria’s trade and port development.
