Aroyewun Celebrates ANLCA at 72, Calls for Greater Support for Host Communities

 Aroyewun Celebrates ANLCA at 72, Calls for Greater Support for Host Communities

The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has congratulated the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on its 72nd anniversary, commending the association for its contributions to trade facilitation, job creation and Nigeria’s economic development.

Aroyewun gave the commendation at ANLCA’s 72nd anniversary celebration held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

He described the milestone as a reflection of ANLCA’s resilience, adaptability and enduring contribution to Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

According to him, the impact of licensed customs agents extends beyond ports and terminals, as their activities play an important role in facilitating trade, supporting businesses, creating employment and stimulating economic activities in communities across the country.

“A thriving trade sector fuels communities and empowers local economies,” Aroyewun said, stressing the importance of professionalism, integrity, competence and high standards in sustaining public confidence in the maritime industry.

The council chairman commended ANLCA’s leadership and members for sustaining the association for more than seven decades, while also acknowledging its collaboration with government agencies, regulatory institutions and other stakeholders in the maritime and freight-forwarding sectors.

He assured operators in the sector of continued government support and policies aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, noting that a vibrant maritime industry remains critical to economic growth and employment generation.

Aroyewun, however, urged government agencies and institutions involved in maritime and freight-forwarding activities to pay greater attention to their host communities.

He particularly called for more meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions and greater inclusion of community and traditional institutions in decisions affecting their localities.

The chairman said economic activities taking place within host communities should translate into tangible development and improved living conditions for residents who bear the immediate impact of such operations.

He reaffirmed the readiness of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA to support initiatives and partnerships capable of expanding economic opportunities, strengthening local businesses and promoting grassroots development.

Also speaking at the event, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, called for the upgrade and full utilisation of the lighter terminal at Ipakodo.

The traditional ruler stressed the need to maximise existing maritime infrastructure to stimulate economic activity and accelerate development across Ikorodu Division.

The anniversary celebration was attended by the Lagos State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem; National President of ANLCA, Sir Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji; and the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba Kasali.

Other dignitaries acknowledged at the event included the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Peter Okocha; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zach Adedeji; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho; and Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori Dr Vicky Haastrup.

Aroyewun also commended the Chairman of the anniversary planning committee and National Vice President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Sula Marine Global Limited, Mr Sulaiman Ayokunle, and other members of the committee for their efforts in organising the celebration.

He urged ANLCA to build on its 72-year legacy by sustaining its commitment to professionalism, innovation and service to Nigeria.

The council chairman expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between ANLCA, government, host communities and other stakeholders would further advance the interests of Lagos State, Ikorodu Division and Nigeria as a whole.