The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has distanced itself from the alleged mistreatment of a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officer, Assistant Comptroller Isa A.M., who was reportedly chased from her office at the Car Park C Terminal, Five Star Logistics, Tin-Can Island Port, Lagos. The incident, deemed “rude and unacceptable” by observers, has prompted an internal investigation by the NCS management.
In a recent press briefing at ANLCA’s national secretariat, National President Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, represented by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme, condemned the episode as “irresponsible and distasteful.” He clarified that ANLCA, the flagship association of customs brokers and clearing agents in Nigeria, upholds a commitment to due process, dialogue, and professional standards, emphasizing that the association was not involved in the incident.
“Our association believes in respecting government agencies and resolving issues through consultation. ANLCA was not involved in this act, nor would we ever condone such behavior,” Onyeme stated. He explained that ANLCA members first learned of the incident online, distancing the association from any involvement.
Supporting Onyeme, ANLCA’s Task Force Chairman Goddy Sewa Soleji and the Tin Can Island Chapter Administrator, Sunday Oforha, reiterated that the association’s members did not participate in the altercation. Soleji stressed that any ANLCA-related protest would require authorization from the National President and coordination through the Presidential Monitoring Task Force.
The incident reportedly arose from frustrations among clearing agents over customs procedures for vehicle clearance under regulation codes such as VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and 846, which have posed operational challenges during the customs transition from ASYCUDA Plus Plus to NICIS II. Addressing these, Onyeme explained that misunderstandings about procedural requirements have occasionally caused disputes but highlighted that professional standards, not confrontation, are ANLCA’s guiding principle.
Oforha confirmed that ANLCA members work directly with the Tin Can Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, who maintains an open-door policy and has earned praise for his leadership and responsiveness. Despite recent disruptions, Nnadi’s commitment to facilitating trade remains evident through his diligence in document processing and ongoing efforts to resolve procedural challenges.
Reiterating ANLCA’s dedication to professionalism, Onyeme urged Comptroller Nnadi not to be discouraged by the incident, praising his dedication to improving the port’s operational efficiency.