Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on its 72nd anniversary, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses, investment and trade to thrive.
The Governor spoke on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, through the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, at ANLCA’s 72nd Anniversary Celebration held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described ANLCA’s 72-year journey as remarkable, noting that the association was established in 1954, six years before Nigeria’s independence, and has remained an important part of the nation’s customs and maritime ecosystem.
He acknowledged the role of licensed customs agents in facilitating trade, protecting government revenue and strengthening trader confidence, stressing that Lagos’ position as a major gateway to Nigeria’s economy makes port efficiency particularly important.
The Governor said the state’s expanding maritime infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and other port opportunities, could enable Lagos to handle more trade and connect Nigerian businesses to larger African markets.
He also welcomed efforts by ANLCA and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to tackle congestion around the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors, noting that port traffic increases business costs, delays the movement of goods and affects Lagos residents’ quality of life.
Sanwo-Olu commended ANLCA’s empowerment programmes and support for members who have served the association, while urging the organisation to uphold integrity and equip younger members with the skills required for an increasingly digital trading environment.
He called for stronger collaboration among the Nigeria Customs Service, NPA, government agencies, the business community and licensed customs agents, describing them as interconnected parts of the same trade ecosystem.
The Governor reiterated that Lagos would continue supporting an environment where legitimate businesses can operate, investments can grow and economic contributors can conduct business with greater confidence.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and National Vice President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan, appreciated stakeholders and guests for attending the anniversary.
ANLCA National President, Chief Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, who reflected on his 22 years of service in the association, called for a more united, professional, influential and relevant ANLCA over the next 72 years. He also urged members to embrace digitalisation, knowledge, data, innovation and capacity building to remain globally competitive.
Former ANLCA President, Chief Peter E. Okocha, OON, provided historical perspectives on the association’s development and the evolution of customs brokerage in Nigeria.
The anniversary was attended by stakeholders from the maritime, trade and government sectors, alongside veteran members and executives of ANLCA.
