Freight Monitor

CRFFN member tackles Tanko over claims that freight forwarders are corrupt

Princess Chi Ezeh, NAGAFF Chieftain

—- says claims are false, blackmail, self-serving

Eyewitness reporter

Two frontline members of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and incidentally members of the fourth governing board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding Practice in Nigeria (CRFFN), Princess Chi Ezeh and Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, have disagreed over the conduct and professional integrity of freight Nigerian forwarders.

While Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko believed that freight forwarders, of which he is one of their stocks, are corrupt and wilfully connive with Customs officers to circumvent the new Vehicles Identification Number (VIN) valuation policy in order to cheat the federal government of its revenue, Princess Chi Ezeh holds contrary views, saying freight forwarding is an ethical profession which is an integral part of value chains in the transport industry.

Recall that Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko had declared that freight forwarders evade customs duties with the collaboration of corrupt customs officers through the manipulation of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), stating that “most freight forwarders have started cutting corners by conniving with valuation officers and releasing officers to get the ex-factory price as value payable on used vehicles.”

Princess Ezeh, the only female member on the fourth governing board of the CRFFN, however, took a swipe at Alhaji Tanko, the National Coordinator of NAGAFF’s Compliance team, over his comments, saying they were self-serving, meant to gain cheap publicity and blackmail government agencies.

She said that the fourth CRFFN board, of which the two contending NAGAFF members are part, is concerned about effectively regulating freight forwarding in a bid to stop the practice of using false statements to gain popularity or blackmail government agencies.

“In my professional opinion, condemning freight forwarders because of PAAR is wrong because PAAR isn’t the final document for clearing cargoes.

“It is advisory as the cargoes and the accompanying declarations are further subjected to either physical or documentary checks at the ports.

“CRFFN is concerned about correcting this wrong perception about freight forwarders,” she said.

According to Chi Ezeh, PAAR as it is, is a function of valuation principles based on general agreement on Trade and Tariffs, quality and quantity of the items, and even the application of rules of origin.

She condemned what she described as the de-marketing efforts of Alhaji Tanko which she believed negatively affect the image of the freight forwarding profession in particular and the maritime industry in general in the eye of the international community.

She also condemned the act that she described as unpatriotic and capable of undermining Nigeria’s Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

Chi Ezeh further disclosed that the industry practitioners are professionals for whom such a blanket label of unethical conduct is not only false but unpatriotic.

She said the cargo clearing system is a chain involving many agencies, all of whom ensure that best practices are applied in cargo handling towards Customs revenue generation and national security.

Chi Ezeh who is also the Vice President in-charge of seaports at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), stressed that every ex-factory price given in valuation is always approved by the Customs Area Controller while the physical examination is conducted for vehicle declarations by Customs and all other approved government agencies in the ports.

She posited that it is not possible for all the agencies involved in cargo clearance to standby and allow the false allegations raised in the publication.

“Freight forwarding is an ethical profession where the practitioners have high-level integrity.

“Like the profession of doctors, accountants, lawyers, among others; there are ethics, principles, and standards.

“I totally disagree with the insinuation that all freight forwarders are corrupt.

“We are an integral part of the national economy who contribute greatly to the economic and physical security of the nation through the huge revenue profile announced by customs annually.”

“The truth is that these cargoes are being examined. So, does this mean that everyone in the entire supply chain is corrupt?

“If Customs is being accused of corruption in connivance with freight forwarders, how about the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies because examination of cargoes isn’t done by Customs alone.

“So, this accusation is wrong and demarkets freight forwarding as well as the entire players in the industry,” Chi Ezeh said.
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Freight Monitor

Fresh crisis brews in ANLCA

Emenike, ANLCA President

—as angry members walk out of NEC meeting over imposition of strange characters on ASECO.

— aggrieved members may seek redress in court— Ozo Chukwura

The Eyewitness Reporter

The fragile peace that has existed in the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) since the eight months administration of Chief Emenike Nwekeoji, the National President of the association, may be ruptured and return the war-weary group to a resurgence of fresh crisis.

Ironically, the unilateral decisions made by Chief Emenike at the recently held National Executive Committee (NEC)meeting of the association have sparked outrage and may return the aggrieved members to the trenches.

It could be recalled that the President of ANLCA, Chief Emenke, had called the NEC meeting of the association on April 26th, 2024 to discuss two matters listed on the agenda, which included the reconstitution of the Association Electoral Committee (ASECO) after the unceremonious resignation of its Chairman, Chief Alloy Eze and election into the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the association.

However, Prince Ozo Chukwura, the Vice Chairman of the association’s BOT, who was present at the meeting, told our reporter that the NEC meeting was stalemated.

“The meeting was inconclusive. It was stalemated as aggrieved members walked out in anger over the unilateral decision of Emenike to bring in two unqualified members and impose them on ASECO as members against the wish of BOT members and other attendees” Prince Ozo Chukwura disclosed.

According to him, the sign that Emenike had a hidden agenda first emerged when the meeting, which was slated for 1 0’clock didn’t start until around 4: 25 pm as some members, who had gone to have another clandestine meeting elsewhere came in late and briefed the president before the NEC meeting started.

“After a long epistle of a welcome address in which he tried to prepare the minds of those in attendance for his hidden agenda, Emenike announced the names of two strange characters who by no means are not qualified as members of ASECO to join the original six members.”

” We all in unison rejected the choice and objected to the strange practice by Mr. President as the supreme constitution of ANLCA only empowers the BOT members to appoint ASECO members and submit their names to NEC and not NECOM for ratification”

” The BOT derives this power from section 13 of the 2013 constitution of the association.

” We were therefore surprised at the decision of the President to appoint ASECO members.” But Emenike told us he derived his powers to set up ASECO members from section 25 of the 2013 constitution.

“This was where the confusion started because we pointed out to him that the section he relied on only empowers him to “set up” and not to “appoint”.

“We educated him that from time immemorial, it was the BOT that appoints ASECO members and submits to NEC for ratification.

” We also pointed it out to him that the power to “appoint” is more powerful and supersedes the power to ”set up” which he derives from section 25.

” However, he insisted and maintained its position to bring in these two strange characters who he apparently wanted to do his biddings as ASECO members.”Curiously, he wanted to make one of them, one Francis Itua, who clearly did not qualify as his practicing licence is not more than four months as against the stipulated five to 10 years, to become the chairman of the ASECO while the second person, Abayomi Ajibola, whom I didn’t recognize, is slated for the position of Secretary.

“However, in order to give peace a chance, we gave the President option B, which was to retain the former six members without bringing in other persons while he was given the opportunity of appointing the chairman and secretary among them”

” But Emenike rejected this option, insisting on bringing in these two stooges of his to ASECO.

” At this point, the secretary of ANLCA, Mr Olumide Fakanlu, asked the President to overrule the NEC and imposed his stooges on ASECO.

” True to the advice of his Secretary, Emenike pointedly announced that he has overruled NEC and that his decision to bring in his stooges stays.

“This was despite the vehement protest of the Chairman of the Western Zone, Mr Femi Anifowose.” At this point, most attendees, including myself, walked out of the venue of the meeting, surprised at the despotic attitude of the President.

Prince Ozo Chukwura however warned about the impending implosion of the association if the President does not rescind some of his unilateral decisions, including the one he made on the reconstitution of ASECO and his unilateral decision to dissolve the legally constituted Executive Council at Murtala Mohammed Airport chapter of the Association.

” I distance myself from the unilateral decisions of Mr President which to me is a recipe for anarchy and chaos in the association.”If not rescinded, it could lead to a resurgence of litigations by aggrieved members who are at liberty to approach the courts to seek redress” the ANLCA chieftain warned.

Prince Chukwura bemoaned the arrogant attitude of Emenike since he emerged in what he described as highly compromised election as he behaves like a demi-god.

He raised the alarm that the administration of Emenike has jettisoned the role and conditions of peace facilitated by the Customs Consultative Council(CCC) which helped to broker peace that gave way to the election that brought him in as President.

He revealed that they went as far as reporting the CCC to the CGC.

Goaded by Chief Elochukwu who said that the association has no need for CCC again as they can no longer dictate to them, the Emenike Nwekeoji-led administration has completely desecrated the terms and conditions of the peace deal brokered by the CCC.”

” During the peace arrangement facilitated by the CCC, it was agreed that since the Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha -faction has taken the chairmanship of the BOT, the presidency should be zoned to the Farinto faction.

“But they quickly brought in Emenike from nowhere to contest the election against our candidate and he won.

“The CCC also said that after the NECOM election, the BOT election should be conducted within a month before the chapter elections.

“All these were kept in the breach after Emenike became the President.

“We allow this breach of agreement to slide for peace’s sake.”Also, it was decided that ASECO should be constituted with eight members, four from each faction while the Farinto faction should produce the chairman.

“No sooner did Alloy Anakwuru become the chairman, than he died.

“Our replacement in the person of Emeka Igwe was eventually frustrated to resign.”He was never allowed to work as a series of allegations and accusations were thrown at him until he was forced to resign.

“Now, Emenike and his group wanted to impose their stooges on ASECO, made them chairman and secretary respectively to do their bidding in the BOT and chapter elections coming up.

“This is the bone of contention and a sure way to return the association to the much-avoided crisis” Prince Ozo Chukwura disclosed.” We have overlooked so much of their excesses and desecration of the peace agreement to allow peace to reign.

“During the NECOM election, they doctored and padded the voters register with strange names, including those who do not qualify or have valid licenses and allowed them to vote.

“They went as far as including the Ijora chapter that is dead and brought in people under the dead chapter to vote.

“They allowed people who were not qualified to vote, people who have not contributed anything to the association, they were given a waiver to vote while our people were disenfranchised.”Though we protested, the CCC asked us to give peace a chance and we did.

“But now they want to overreach themselves and reopen the old wounds which we shall revisit if need be” the ANLCA chieftain warned.

He also lamented that all his entreaties to the ANLCA President to reconcile all the aggrieved members were ignored. Prince Ozo Chukwura however advised Emenike and his lieutenants to work towards peace in ANLCA as his current action is capable of flitering away the little gains achieved during the period of fragile peace in the association.

Freight Monitor

Fallout of NEC meeting: ANLCA NECOM risks contempt of court over appointment of New Exco at Airport Chapter

The Eyewitness Reporter

One of the decisions taken by the National Executive members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at its Friday’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is likely to signal the resurgence of litigations and disruption of the fragile peace in ANLCA.

Theeyewitnessnews had earlier reported that the decisions taken by the Emenike Nwekeoji-led NECOM would either make or break the association.

Less that 48- hours after the belatedly held NEC meeting, the decision to dissolve the Executive Council of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Cargo Chapter of the association has started to cause ripples within the association which might likely result in contempt of court charges brought against the Emenike Nwekeoji – led NECOM.

The decision to sack the incumbent Exco of the Airport Cargo chapter and install a new one was a clear desecration and violation of a pending Court case at the Appeal Court, Lagos which has been ongoing between the incumbent Chairman of the Chapter,Prince Bagmibala Adewusi and Alhaji Bola Ashiru Balogun.

The NEC also ignored a letter written by both Adewusi Bagmibala and his lawyers,Newcastle Associates, intimating them of the pending case and warning of any attempt to discuss or take any action, as that will amount to contempt of court.

Recalled that the National President of ANLCA on Friday inaugurated a new set of Executives for its Muritala Muhammed Airport, Cargo (MMAC) Chapter with Mr Temitope Pius Akindele as the new Chairman.

Others are Offodile Chucks -Vice Chairman; Desmond Ehi-Emimoh as General Secretary; Adesola Oladapo- Treasurer; Afolabi Ishau- Financial Secretary; Ajagunna Sharafat as Assistant Secretary and Agubuzor Michael as Public Relations Officer.

But in a letter sighted by our reporter dated, 26th April 2024 addressed to the National President of ANLCA by Oluwasegun Ayinde, Esq of
Newcastle Associates, lawyers to Bagmibala Adewusi, has warned the ANLCA National body not to engage in anything or likelihood activities/ discussions that may amount to contempt of court.

The letter reads :
CA/LAG/CV/1084/2023
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS AND ANOR Vs MR. BOLA ASHIRU BALOGUN & 3ORS .

“A WARNING LETTER TO THE NATIONAL BODY AGAINST
ENGAGING IN ANY LIKELIHOOD ACTIVITIES/DISCUSSIONS
THAT MAY AMOUNT TO CONTEMPT OF COURT

“We are Solicitors to PRINCE BAMIGBALA A. ADEWUSI, the Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Murtala Muhammed
Airport Chapter (ANLCA, MMAC) and THE EXECUTIVES OF ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS, MURTALA MUHAMMED AIRPORT CHAPTER (ANLCA, MMAC)
(hereinafter referred to as “our clients”) and on whose behalf and instruction we write.

“It has been brought to our notice that the National Body is proposing to hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, wherein discussions
bordering on the matters as related to ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS, MURTALA MUHAMMED AIRPORT
CHAPTER will also be tabled and discussed.

“I am writing to bring to your attention a potential issue concerning a matter
that is currently before a competent court, with Appeal No:CA/LAG/CV/1084/2023:- between; Board of Trustees, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) & ANOR Vs. Mr. Bola
Ashiru Balogun & 3 Ors. It has come to our attention that discussions regarding this matter are being held and also, about to be a subject of discussions at The National Executive Council (NEC) meeting said to be
coming up today, at the National Level, which inadvertently interferes
with the legal proceedings.

“As legal representatives of PRINCE BAMIGBALA A. ADEWUSI, the Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Murtala Muhammed Airport Chapter (ANLCA, MMAC) and THE EXECUTIVES OF ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS, MURTALA MUHAMMED AIRPORT CHAPTER (ANLCA, MMAC), we strongly advise against any further discussions or actions that may jeopardize the integrity of the on-going legal process.

“It is imperative that all parties involved respect the jurisdiction of the court and refrain from discussing or taking any actions that could potentially undermine the legal proceedings.

“We kindly request that the National Body issue a directive to all branches to cease any discussions or actions related to the matter that is currently before the Honourable Court.

“This will ensure that the legal process is allowed to proceed unhindered and that the rights of all parties involved are protected.

“Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that the National Body will take the necessary steps to address this issue and prevent any
further interference with the legal proceedings.

Kindly be guided accordingly.
Yours faithfully,

For: Newcastle Associates
Oluwasegun Ayinde, Esq.
[PRINCE BAMIGBALA A. ADEWUSI, the Chairman of the Association of
Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Murtala Muhammed Airport Chapter
(ANLCA, MMAC) and THE EXECUTIVES OF ASSOCIATION OF
NIGERIA LICENSED CUSTOMS AGENTS, MURTALA MUHAMMED
AIRPORT CHAPTER (ANLCA, MMAC)]”.

Also on the same 26th April 2024, a letter signed by Prince Bagmibala Adewusi and Sylvester Osai Iyamu the Chapter Secretary was addressed to the ANLCA National President, informing him of the pending case of the chapter at the Appeal Court in Lagos which comes up on 21st May, 2024.

The letter reads in part:
“Against the backdrop of information reaching us on the issue of dissolution of all Chapters Executives of ANLCA, we wish to remind the National President, and all NECOM Executives of the pending case involving Airport Chairman, NECOM and Board of Trustees and Mr Balogun Bola at the Appeal Court. The said case will be coming up on the 2st May 2024 and the case Reference No: Appeal No: CA/LAG/CV/1084/2023, SUITE NO: FHC/L/CS/758/2022.”

“Secondly, the president and his team are to be reminded also that Airport Chapter Election was conducted on the 15th January, 2022 and tenure expires on the 14th January 2026 and Certificate of Returns duly issued to the Elected Executives by the then sitting National President for ANLCA, Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike”.

With the ANLCA National President allegedly ignoring the two letters of appeal and inaugurating new Executives to take over at the Airport Chapter, there is speculations and insinuations that the new Exco may likely use the Nigerian Police Force to perpetrate the forceful eviction of the incumbent Chairman and other Excos from office, despite the pending case.

A source at the Airport has told our Reporter that, one of the new Exco members is boasting of his connection with a top ranking officer of the Police Force, which he may likely rely on to carry out the taking over of the Chapter.

When contacted, the incumbent Chairman, Prince Bagmibala Adewusi said if the illegal act is carried out and there is a breakdown of law and order at the Airport, those concerned should be held responsible, as he has acted within the ambit of the law to intimate those concerned of the pending danger.

Freight Monitor

ANLCA in a make-or-break NEC meeting.

Emenike Nwekeoji , ANLCA President

The Eyewitness Reporter

After much pressure and political horse-trading, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) will belatedly hold its National Executive Committee(NEC) meeting on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at its National Secretariat in Lagos.

According to the agenda of the meeting, there are two matters slated for discussion.

These include the election into the Board of Trustees(BOT) of the association and the reconstitution of the Association Electoral Commission(ASECO) following the managed resignation of the former ASECO chairman, Chief Alloy Nze Igwe.

However, concerned stakeholders in the association told our reporter that the decisions taken by Chief Emenike Nwekeoji-led NEC at Friday’s meeting would either make and consolidate the graveyard peace in the association or lead to a resurgence of crisis and litany of litigations.

Our reporter gathered that the reconstituted ASECO, whose new Chairman and Secretary will be unveiled at Friday’s meeting, may likely spark off a fresh crisis due to the coloration, qualification and affinity of the chosen members as well as the manner they emerged.

All eyes are therefore on the President of the association, Chief Emenike Nwekeoji, and the BOT Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, who are accused of being in an unholy alliance with other older members of the association to undermine the peace accord that ushered in the graveyard peace in the association through the choice of the reconstituted ASECO membership.

“The outcome of Friday’s meeting will decide the direction of ANLCA, whether to return to the trenches or consolidate on the new found fragile peace in the association,” a high-ranking member of ANLCA said.

” The frailty of the peace in ANLCA will be put to test tomorrow(Friday)” another member declared.