By Uzor Odigbo
Following a viral video in circulation on social media where a female customs officer, Assistant Comptroller Isa A.M was publicly humiliated by freight agents and shippers at the Car Park C of Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tin Can Island Port, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has exonerated its members from the act which it described as despicable.
Speaking in Lagos at a press briefing held at the ANLCA National Secretariat, National Publicity Secretary (NPS)of ANLCA, Mr Emmanuel Onyeme said members of the association were not part of the people that humiliated the customs officer adding that the foremost licensed customs brokers group is a crusader of collaboration and consultation with management of the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies.
Onyeme stated that “We called this press briefing in response to a recent incident. I’m sure you’ve seen the video circulating, showing an officer from the Nigeria Customs Service being publicly mistreated at Five Star Terminal, Car Park ‘C’ in Tin Can Island Port.
“The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), where we serve as licensed customs agents, values respect and collaboration with government agencies. We believe in engaging properly, even in difficult situations. Our approach is rooted in dialogue, consultation, and cooperation to ensure government revenue is generated through compliance” Onyeme stated
The ANLCA spokesman stressed that on the day of the ill-fated attack on the customs officer, coincidentally, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi was in Lagos at the PTML Terminal for the launching of the B’Odogwu trade platform. He said that senior officials of ANLCA both at National and chapter level were with the CGC.
“During the CGC’s visit for the “B’Odogwu” pilot program at PTML Terminal, our Vice President, Zone Coordinator, SSA Media, and other executive officers were present