TRADE ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR INDIGENIZATION OF FREIGHT FORWARDING

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents has called for the enactment of a legislation limiting the business of cargo clearance and delivery to Nigerian citizens or Nigerian owned companies. Speaking recently in Abuja, at the one day retreat for its members, ANCLA’s National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, said such a move would check capital flight as well as stimulate jobs for thousands of Nigerian youths.

Shittu stressed that despite what the general public perceive the customs agents to be, they are critical in the drive by government to meet its target from import tax. He commended the leadership of Nigeria Customs Service for the hand of fellowship extended to his association unlike previous engagements with the Service.

“The present management of Nigeria Customs Service has continued to collaborate with our leadership and some of the successes we have recorded in the last six months are attributable to this partnership, to which we give our honest recognition and appreciation to Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, the CGC of Nigeria Customs Service and his team”, Shittu said.

The retreat was attended by key officers of the association at the national, zonal and chapter levels, including two past national presidents of the association. Notable invitees include the Comptroller General of Customs Dikko Abdullahi, the Honourable Minister of the Interior, a respected shipping tycoon, Capt Emmanuel Ihenacho delivered a special and Honourable Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, who was represented. President of a rival group, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Mr Eugene Nweke was also at the opening ceremony .