AROYEWUN HAILS ANLCA AT 72, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR MARITIME SECTOR, CALLS FOR STRONGER CSR IN HOST COMMUNITIES

By David Adejare

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. He assured operators in the maritime and freight-forwarding sector of continued government support, while urging government agencies and institutions in the industry to invest more in their host communities.

Aroyewun spoke on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, at the anniversary celebration held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. He described the milestone as proof of the Association's resilience, adaptability and lasting contribution to Nigeria's trade and maritime sectors.

He said ANLCA's impact extends well beyond the ports and terminals, noting that its role in facilitating trade drives employment, business growth and prosperity in communities across the country.

"A thriving trade sector fuels communities and empowers local economies," he said, adding that professionalism, integrity, competence and high standards are essential to public confidence in the maritime industry.

The Chairman commended ANLCA's leadership and members for sustaining the Association for over seven decades and for contributing to national economic development. He also praised its continued collaboration with government, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.

He assured ANLCA and other operators of continued government support and policies that create a more enabling environment for their activities, stressing that a thriving maritime sector is critical to economic growth and job creation.

Aroyewun, however, charged government agencies and other institutions involved in freight-forwarding and maritime activities to give greater attention to their host communities. He called for meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions and for community and traditional institutions to be included in decisions that directly affect their localities.

"Economic activities within host communities should translate into visible development and improved wellbeing for the people who bear the immediate impact of such operations," he said in essence. He reaffirmed the readiness of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA to support initiatives and partnerships that can expand economic opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

Monarch Seeks Upgrade of Ipakodo Lighter Terminal

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. He stressed the need to maximise existing maritime infrastructure for greater economic activity and development in Ikorodu Division.

Attendance

The celebration was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem. Others present included the National President of ANLCA, Sir Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, and Oba Kasali.

Other dignitaries acknowledged included:

• 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
• Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori Dr Vicky Haastrup

Commendation of Organisers

Aroyewun expressed optimism about stronger partnerships that can advance the interests of host communities, Lagos State and Nigeria. He commended the chairman of the planning committee, Prince Segun Oduntan, who is also ANLCA's National Vice President, and Mr Sulaiman Ayokunle, CEO of Sula Marine Global Limited, a private maritime and logistics company. He also thanked all members of the planning committee for organising the event.

He urged the Association to build on its 72-year legacy by continuing to pursue professionalism, innovation and service to the nation.