…says Lagos remains committed to enabling environment for legitimate businesses
By Kayode Olopade
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on the occasion of its 72nd anniversary, reaffirming his Administration ‘s commitment to supporting an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive and investment can grow.
The Governor gave this commendation on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, in a goodwill speech delivered on his behalf by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Hon. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, at the 72nd Anniversary Celebration of ANLCA, held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the 72-year milestone as remarkable, noting that ANLCA was established in 1954, six years before Nigeria's independence, and has remained an important part of the Nation’s Customs and Maritime Ecosystem .
"Seventy-two years is a remarkable milestone. ANLCA was established in 1954, six years before Nigeria became independent. Since then, the country has changed in many ways, and the business of trade has changed with it. Yet, ANLCA has remained an important part of our customs and maritime ecosystem," the Governor stated.
Mr. Sanwo- Olu emphasized the critical role of licensed Custom Agents in facilitating trade, protecting Government revenue, and boosting trader confidence.
He noted that Lagos, as a major gateway to the Nigerian Economy, is particularly invested in the efficiency of the Port Ecosystem which affects businesses and ordinary Nigerians who depend on the goods, services, and jobs that Trade creates.
"As Lagos continues to expand its Maritime infrastructure, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the development of other Port opportunities, we are looking at a future in which Lagos can handle more trade and connect Nigerian businesses to a much larger African market. That future will require all of us to work differently and work together," he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the efforts by ANLCA and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to address congestion along the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors, stressing that the traffic around the Ports, is not merely a transport problem , but , one that adds cost to businesses and affects the quality of life for Lagosians.
"I therefore welcome the efforts by ANLCA and the Nigerian Ports Authority to address congestion along the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors. The traffic around our Ports is not merely a transport problem. It adds cost to businesses, delays the movement of goods and affects the quality of life for Lagosians. We must continue to find practical ways of improving the system," the Governor added.
He commended the Association for its empowerment programmes and attention to members who have served , enunciating that an Organization’s strength is measured not only by its achievements, but , also by how it treats its people.
As ANLCA begins another chapter, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged the Association to uphold the values of integrity and to equip its members, especially the younger generation, to operate confidently in an increasingly Digital Trading environment.
"Integrity must remain at the heart of your Profession . The industry is also changing rapidly, and your members, especially the younger ones, must be equipped to operate confidently in an increasingly Digital Trading environment," he implored.
The Lagos State Governor, called for stronger partnerships among the Customs Service, the Ports Authority, Government Agencies , the business community, and licensed Custom Agents, identifying them all as part of the same Ecosystem .
"When one part of that system is weak, everybody feels the impact. When we work together, the benefits reach much further than the Ports," he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the Lagos State Government will continue to support an environment in which legitimate businesses can operate, investment can grow, and those who contribute to the Economy, can do so with greater confidence.
"To the leadership and members of ANLCA, I congratulate you once again on 72 years of service. I commend those who built this Association , those who have sustained it, and those who are preparing it for the future. May ANLCA continue to be a strong voice for its members and a responsible partner in the growth of Nigeria's trade and Economy ," the Governor concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and National Vice President of ANLCA, Prince Segun Oduntan, expressed appreciation to all attendees for honouring the Association ‘s invitation.
In his remarks, the National President of ANLCA, Chief Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji, reflected on his 22 years of service within the Association and outlined a vision for the future.
"The ANLCA of the next 72 years must be bolder than the ANLCA of the last 72. It must be more united, more professional, more influential, and more relevant to Nigeria's Economic aspirations," Chief Nwokeoji stated.
He called for a shift towards a more digital, knowledge-based, and data-driven approach to Customs brokerage, urging members to embrace innovation and capacity building to remain globally competitive.
Also speaking, former President of ANLCA, Chief Peter E. Okocha, OON, took attendees down memory lane, sharing historical perspectives on the Association ‘s journey and the evolution of the Customs brokerage profession in Nigeria.
The event was attended by Stakeholders from the Maritime, Trade and Government sectors, as well as veteran members and Executives of the Association .
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