ANLCA National President, Hon. Tony Nwabunike begins 2022 with review of economic activities * Faults FG on N4.1trillion revenue target for Customs

ANLCA National President, Hon. Tony Nwabunike begins 2022 with review of economic activities

* Faults FG on N4.1trillion revenue target for Customs

* Says outrageous targets will down play trade facilitation

The National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon. Prince Tony Iju Nwabunike has faulted the Federal Government (FG) on N4.1trillion revenue target given to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for 2022 fiscal year.

Hon. Nwabunike made this assertion during a world press conference, organised by ANLCA to review its activities in 2021 economic year and to chart the way forward in 2022.

Speaking further, the ANLCA helmsman stressed that outrageous revenue targets will down play trade facilitation function of the Service, as officers will constantly be under pressure to meet up with higher targets.

This, he said will also have negative impact on economic activities in the maritime industry, as investments may be threatened in the process of pursuing higher revenue targets, to the detriment of trade facilitation and global best practice.

Giving more highlights on activities in the sector, Hon Nwabunike called on Customs to fast track capacity building programmes and necessary procedures needed for the scanners to function, in order to enhance efficiency in cargo clearing chain.

According to him, ANLCA is currently embarking on training and retraining of its members to move with the new trend of digitalisation in cargo clearance processes, which he said is quite imperative, especially with the ravaging effects of COVID-19 pandemic on global economy.

More so, Hon. Nwabunike urged government to include members of ANLCA in some of its committees, in order to pave the way for professional inputs on policies that are vital for greater development of the maritime sector and the economy at large.

Responding to questions on $3.1billion Customs modernisation project, designed to run for a concessionary period of two decades, Hon. Nwabunike
advised government to make wide consultations and thread with caution.

Thus, giving outlook for 2022 economic year, ANLCA National President emphasised that the association under his leadership will remain focused to build on professionalism, which will reposition Customs Brokers for greater productivity locally and internationally.

The programme was also a fun-filled moment for ANLCA, as the event culminated in thanks-giving and Awards presentation to outstanding professionals, as shown on the pictures.