By Amina Ojelabi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has urged members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) to strengthen professionalism, digital competence and compliance as the customs brokerage profession evolves.
The NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the call in a goodwill message delivered by the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Port Command, at the 72nd anniversary of ANLCA.
Customs Area Controller
Tincan Island Port Command TCIP Comptroller Joseph Anani at the 72nd Anniversary celebration of ANCLA in Lagos
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating a Legacy of Professionalism, Advancing Trade Facilitation and Shaping the Future of Customs Brokerage,” the Comptroller-General described the milestone as a reflection of the Association’s endurance, institutional continuity and professional commitment.
Adeniyi said licensed customs agents occupy a critical position in Nigeria’s international trade value chain, serving as a link between importers, exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, terminal operators and other stakeholders.
Representing Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi is Area Controller Tincan Island Port CAC Joe Anani receiving award from the National President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA at the 72nd Anniversary Celebration in Lagos
He stressed that the role of customs brokers goes beyond documentation and cargo processing, noting that practitioners are also responsible for facilitating legitimate trade, promoting compliance, protecting government revenue and improving supply-chain efficiency.
According to him, the success of customs modernisation and trade facilitation cannot be achieved by the NCS alone, making strong collaboration with customs brokers and other stakeholders essential.
The CGC urged ANLCA members to embrace technology, automation, risk management and data-driven processes, stressing that the future of customs brokerage is increasingly digital.
He called on the Association to invest in continuous professional development, training and capacity building to equip its members with the knowledge and technological skills required to operate effectively in a modern trading environment.
Adeniyi also encouraged ANLCA to promote ethical business practices, accurate declarations, proper documentation and timely submission of information, while collectively rejecting practices capable of undermining legitimate trade or government revenue.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to maintaining a professional relationship with customs brokers, stressing that interactions between Customs officers and freight forwarders at ports, terminals and bonded facilities must be guided by mutual respect, accountability and adherence to the law.
The Comptroller-General congratulated the leadership and members of ANLCA on its 72nd anniversary, expressing hope that the partnership between the Association and the NCS would continue to deepen towards achieving a more efficient, transparent and prosperous trade environment for Nigeria.
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