ANLCA makes history with 2020 AGM, BOT election *Holds electronic voting simultaneously nationwide *As Governor Uzodimma scores ANLCA high on maritime sector development

ANLCA makes history with 2020 AGM, BOT election

*Holds electronic voting simultaneously nationwide

*As Governor Uzodimma scores ANLCA high on maritime sector development

By Udeme Clement:

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), has made history in the freight forwarding industry and Nigeria at large, as the first Association ever to conduct electronic voting simultaneously across all its chapters in Nigeria.

The election, which was the first of its kind in the maritime industry had over 1,462 members mionitoring it online, with a total of 678 votes.

The election for new members of ANLCA’s Board of Trustees (BOT), took place at Concord hotel, Owerri, Imo State, during the 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association, where the former Board was formally dissolved.

It was an epoch making event, as the conference Hall of Concord hotel was filled to capacity with members of ANLCA from Port Harcourt, Lagos, Idiroko axis between Nigeria and Benin Republic, Calabar, Northern States, Eastern region, as well as other chapters that turned out in large number for the programme.

The exercise was indeed unique and most remarkable, as members who didn’t come physically and those in diaspora participated through Zoom.

Our Correspendent observed that the election was very transparent, well coordinated and generally peaceful, as members voted across various chapters electronically. At the end, the results were displayed openly before members and Journalists from various states who turned out to monitor the exercise.

Some executive members of ANLCA, who spoke with Journalists on the sidelines of the election showered encomiums on the National President of ANLCA, Hon Tony Iju Nwabunike for his ingenuity and inventiveness in conducting such classic AGM and online voting.

The high point of the programme was the swearing in of new BOT members.

In a chat with news men, Chief Henry Njoku said Nwabunike has written the name of ANLCA in gold.

His words, “I am happy that you Journalists observed the programme physically. You have seen the high level of intelligence and efficiency Nwabunike brought to bear in the entire election process. He has made ANLCA proud and we have confidence in his leadership.

“What Nwabunike has done is quite historic and shows leadership competence of the President of a reputable Association like ANLCA created since 1954.

“As far as freight forwarding industry is concerned, ANLCA is number one. I believe strongly in ANLCA. You cannot write my history without ANLCA. You can see the competent members elected into the Board. With these professionals in the Board, we can expect excellent performance.”

In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, who was the special guest of honour scored ANLCA high on its commitment in growing the maritime sector of the economy.

His words, “It gives me great pleasure to be here and the fact that your AGM is taking place in Imo State, where I am the Governor.

“Imo State has become a destination for all progressive minds. Just recently, stakeholders from oil and gas industry held their programme in our State. The Nigerian Bar Association also had their their annual conference in our State. It shows that Imo State is safe for people to go”.

The Governor went on, “ANLCA is one of the oldest Associations in the maritime industry founded in 1954, even before Nigeria got Independence.

“I commend your efforts in moving the maritime industry forward despite challenges in the system.

“ANLCA creates more than 15,000 direct jobs and a large number of indirect employment through the value chain of freight forwarding business. ANLCA is an important group that government must support.

“I also commend your National President, Nwabunike for his proactive leadership style in running the affairs of ANLCA. We will continue to maintain our relationship with ANLCA for the overall interest of our economy”.

Speaking further, Governor Uzodimma outlined challenges facing freight forwarders in the industry, while calling for reduction of government agencies in the ports, in order to ensure ease of doing business. The Governor frowned at  issue of multiple alerts from government agencies on cargo clearance in the ports.

Distinguished Senator
Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo state, who came with his Deputy, was made the Grand Patron of ANLCA, while  Chief Henry Njoku the immediate past BOT Chairman and
High Chief Eze~ Mentus Mbonu, were made Patrons.