Viral video: ANLCA distances members from public humiliation of female Customs officer at Tincan
..."Our members are too professional to stoop so low," - NPS.
Segun Oladipupo
In view of a video making the rounds on internet where a female Customs Officer, Assistant Comptroller Isa A. M was publicly humiliated by persons believed to be freight forwarders at the Car Park C in Five Star terminal, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ANLCA, has distanced its members from such act.
Addressing journalist at the National Secretariat of the Association in Amuwo Odofin on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Onyeme described such act as despicable
He added that members of the association are too professional to be involved in such a demeaning act.
He maintained that ANLCA respects government’s agencies and officials hence, it members cannot be part of the humiliation meted out to a public officer
His words, “We called this press briefing in response to a recent incident. I’m sure you have seen the video circulating, showing an officer from the Nigeria Customs Service being publicly mistreated at Five Star Terminal, Car Park ‘C’ in Tin Can Island Port.
“The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), where we serve as licensed Customs agents, respects and collaborate with government agencies.
“We believe in engaging properly, even in difficult situations. Our approach is rooted in dialogue, consultation, and cooperation to ensure government revenue is generated through compliance.”
He explained that on the day of the attack, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi was at PTML terminal for launching of B-Odogwu trade platform. He said members of the association were with the CG
He said, “During the CGC’s visit for the “B’Odogwu” pilot program at PTML Terminal, our Vice President, Zone Coordinator, SSA Media, and other executive officers were present.
“After the event, we saw the video of the incident at Five Star. ANLCA members were not involved, and we condemn the behavior exhibited. We adhere to the Customs Act, which outlines our role and engagement with government agencies.
“This briefing is necessary because there’s been media speculation about ANLCA’s involvement in the incident. We want to clarify: ANLCA had no part in this. If we were to take any action, it would be based on the principles of engagement, dialogue, and consultation, led by our National Executive Council (NECOM) and overseen by our leader, Mr. Emenike Kinsley Nwokeoji.
“The reason why i have Mr Soleji the Task Force Chairman and the Sole Administrator of our Tin Can chapter here is to confirm that neither they nor any ANLCA members were involved in this incident” he said.
Onyeme with the
ANLCA’s Chairman, Presidential Task Force, Goddy Sewa Soleji, and the Sole Administrator of the Tin Can Island Chapter of the association, Sunday Oforha also.took turns go defend the association.
They expressed satisfaction over Customs Area Controller in charge of Tin Can Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi for his open door policy saying he works extra hours everyday to make sure that files don’t get delayed on his table
He commended the Customs helmsman, saying “The Custom Area Controller of Tin Can Command, Controller Dera Nnadi, operates an open policy. He typically starts work as early as 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. and remains on duty until 10:00 p.m., readily available to assist people.
“Each day, he ensures that all documents submitted to his office are processed promptly. According to the policy, any document submitted after 6:00 p.m. is not accepted. However, if a document arrives before 6:00 p.m., he will review and sign it, even if this requires him to work as late as 11:00 p.m”
Similarly, Sole Administrator of ANLCA Tin Can chapter, Sunday Oforha corroborated the association’s spokesman, saying that every challenges being experienced by Customs brokers at Tin Can Port is being handled by the chapter in dialogue with the Customs Area Controller, hence there was no cause for its members to take laws into their hands or resort to violence.
Also.speaking, the Chairman, Presidential Monitoring Task Force, South West, Goddy Shewa Soleji maintained that ANLCA as an organization, has procedures for addressing its operational challenges, and that the one orchestrated against the female Customs officers was never from ANLCA members.
