The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has congratulated the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on its 72nd anniversary, describing the milestone as a testament to the Association’s resilience, adaptability, and enduring contribution to Nigeria’s trade and maritime sectors.
Delivering his goodwill message at the anniversary celebration, which took place at Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, Aroyewun noted that ANLCA’s impact extends far beyond the ports and terminals.
The anniversary celebration was attended by the Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem; the National President of ANLCA, Sir Emenike Kingsley Nwokeoji; and the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba Kasali.
According to him, the Association’s role in facilitating trade contributes significantly to employment, business growth and prosperity in communities across the country.
“A thriving trade sector fuels communities and empowers local economies,” the Chairman noted, stressing that professionalism, integrity, competence and high standards remain essential to strengthening public confidence in the maritime industry.
Aroyewun commended the leadership and members of ANLCA for sustaining the Association for more than seven decades and for their contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. He also applauded the Association’s continued collaboration with government, regulatory institutions and other stakeholders.
The Chairman assured ANLCA and other operators within the maritime and freight-forwarding sector of continued government support and policies that create a more enabling environment for their activities, noting that a thriving maritime sector remains critical to economic growth and job creation.
He, however, charged government agencies and other institutions involved in freight-forwarding and maritime activities to give greater attention to their host communities. He particularly emphasised the need for meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions and the inclusion of community and traditional institutions in decisions that directly affect their localities.
According to Aroyewun, economic activities within host communities should translate into visible development and improved wellbeing for the people who bear the immediate impact of such operations.
Highlighting the importance of maritime and freight-forwarding activities to grassroots development, the Chairman reaffirmed Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA’s readiness to support initiatives and partnerships capable of expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the local economy.
Also speaking at the event, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, HRM Oba (Barr.) Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, Emugoriade I, called for the upgrade and full utilisation of the lighter terminal at Ipakodo, stressing the importance of maximising existing maritime infrastructure for greater economic activity and development within Ikorodu Division.
Aroyewun congratulated ANLCA’s leadership and members on the historic anniversary and expressed optimism about stronger partnerships capable of advancing the interests of host communities, Lagos State and Nigeria. He also commended the chairman of the planning committee, Prince Segun Oduntan, who serves as the National Vice President of ANLCA, and Mr Sulaiman Ayokunle, CEO of Sula Marine Global Limited, a private maritime and logistics company, and all members of the planning committee on their efforts in organising the event.
He urged the Association to build on its 72-year legacy by continuing to pursue professionalism, innovation and service to the nation.
