Maritime Agencies
ANLCA NECOM: No Non- Licensed Company Owner Can Be Acting NECOM Member.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
As current efforts are in top gear to resolve the lingering crisis in the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), four chieftains appointed by the alleged self- acclaimed registered BOT Chairman, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, cannot fly as it has been revealed that their licenses are not registered as required by the Association Constitution.
They are Pius Ujubuonu, Adeyinka Jamiu Ishola, Waheed Badmus and Francis Ozemede Itua who Taiwo Mustapha appointed Acting National President, Vice President, Financial Secretary and National Publicity Secretary respectively.
In a release made available to Falcon Watch Online, the ANLCA National Secretary, Alhaji Babatunde Mukaila maintains that as long as the gentlemen are non-licensed members of ANLCA, their appointment on acting capacity by anybody stands disclaimed and cannot stand as it runs counter to the prescriptions of the Constitution of the Association.
As Mukaila stated during a recent exclusive interview reported in the press release, the four persons Taiwo Mustapha appointed on acting capacity have no licenses. Mustapha who claims to be a leader in ANLCA, he argued, should have known the Association’s Constitution if he did not do what he did to simply cause confusion.
“The Constitution of ANLCA, Section 4 under membership stipulates that membership of the Association shall be limited to corporate bodies incorporated under the CAMA 1990 as amended 2020. So, all our AGMs are expected to be governed by general members, those companies who are corporate members of ANLCA. It is just the company owners that should come forward and participate in the AGM. Representatives of these companies ought to be Directors who must have had at least 10% of shareholding of those companies at least five years running and whose membership status must be as well five years with ANLCA.
On any other requirements for members desirous to attend an AGM, he referred to Section 4 of the Constitution on membership.
“For that purpose, a member shall make application in writing to the ANLCA Headquarters through his Chapter within his area of operation via Executive or Committee set-up shall recommend the applicant to the NECOM. The applicant is then deemed a fit and proper person to be admitted as a member.”
He said payment of an annual dues of N10,000 and possession of a valid license as well as being up-to-date in financial commitment qualify a member to attend an AGM. Therefore, he wondered, it is difficult to decipher whatever else the aggrieved faction is asking for because as an ANLCA member, attending an AGM is automatic as a company director with valid license and dues paid up-to-date. For anybody raising an eyebrow, he stated, it is either he does not have a license or is not financially up-to-date.
As the National Secretary and custodian of ANLCA’s data and documents, he told non-licensed members of the aggrieved faction appointed acting members of the NECOM that in a crisis situation all over the world, the first casualty is truth. ANLCA is not exempted.
“There have been a lot of falsehood and fake news. To put it straight, I believe ANLCA members who have served at the highest level should know better and be conversant with the Constitution.”
He recalled when Mustapha broke into the National Secretariat to say he had appointed an interim NECOM.
“The ANLCA Constitution is very clear under Section 4 that membership shall be limited to corporate companies notwithstanding Subsection 1. Under Section 2, it went further to say that no company or firm should be registered as member if Section 4 , Subsection 2a does not do business in shipping and freight forwarding and if not licensed by the Nigeria Customs. He described as mischief or lack of knowledge as factors that prompted Taiwo Mustapha to violate ANLCA Constitution by appointing people who do not have corporate licenses from Customs to positions at the national level.
Referring to 24th August, 2022, when Taiwo Mustapha made what he called the grievous mistake that caused the present confusion everybody is suffering from, Pius Ujubuonu was appointed Acting National President or Interim President.
“I want to let you know that in 2012 when the data protocol of ANLCA was being perfected as it was then, I was the ASECO Chairman. Pius Ujubuonu came to
me to present a license of a corporate company called MIRACLE VENTURES LTD. That license as at the year the data was being processed in 2013 did not exist. Pius Ujubuonu, with ID Card No WZ5100000083, the company did not exist!. So, in the last ten years, Pius Ujubuonu did not have a license.
On the list of Tincan Island ANLCA corporate members, he also explained, there is a company called DEJIDE INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD.
“The company had a gentleman called Jide as director and principal officer who employed one Adeyinka Jamiu Ishola, staff ID Card No WZ2300000285. Four years ago, Mr Jide passed away and the license has remained moribund since then. This is the same person Taiwo Mustapha appointed Acting National President of ANLCA.”
“He did not stop at that! Just to cause more confusion in ANLCA, he went further to appoint another person the Acting National Financial Secretary. The gentleman is a clerk in a company called OMO-BOY INTERNATIONAL, a company whose Director is one late Alabi. Taiwo Mustapha appointed Gbadamosi Waheed Badmus as Acting Financial Secretary of ANLCA. That makes them three.
He said that another imposter was Francis Ozemede Itua who was appointed Acting Publicity Secretary of ANLCA.
“Francis Itua is just a clerk with SEVEN 86 IMPEX & ALLIED LTD, a company that has all directors as Indians. So, for Francis Itua to be issuing statements, calling himself the Acting NPS of ANLCA is not only dangerous but criminal, full of mischief. He has to be disclaimed so that the general public will know”.
On the AGM being planned, the National Secretary said it was necessary to bend backwards and move forward because ANLCA needs breath.
“All registered corporate members of ANLCA should come forward and register for the AGM. It is the right of corporate members of ANLCA,” Alhaji Mukaila pointed out.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Arising from weeks of intensive planning and stakeholder engagements, the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hereby confirms readiness and an overwhelming industry stakeholders support for its planned special reception to honour her past presidents.
The reception is a landmark event aimed at celebrating leadership, service and the enduring contributions of media professionals to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The event which promises to be a gathering of industry heavyweights, ministry officials, policymakers, regulators, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other critical stakeholders, is designed not only to honour past leaders of MARAN but to restate the role of maritime journalism in shaping policy, promoting accountability, and driving sectoral growth.
Speaking on the event, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele noted that the reception serves as a platform to reflect on the legacies of past presidents whose leadership helped position the association as a respected voice in the maritime space.
He added that the event will also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the media and industry operators at a time when the sector is undergoing significant reforms and modernization.
As stated by Funsho Olojo, Chairman, Reception Planning Committee, notable dignitaries from government institutions, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as heads of key maritime agencies, have indicated strong interest in attending the event.
Several corporate organizations and industry groups have also signified their willingness to support the initiative, underscoring its importance to the wider maritime community.
Mr Olojo, while giving an overview of the event, declared that it would serve as a veritable platform to celebrate excellence, hard work and quality leadership offered by past MARAN leaders.
”MARAN, as the projenitor of beat associations in the maritime industry, has produced finest individuals who have had the privilege of leading this great association.
”They have sacrificed their time, energy and intellect to make MARAN the greatest beat association in the maritime industry.
” More encouraging is the fact that all of these past leaders are currently doing well in their different endeavors.
” Some are excelling as Ministers of God in His vineyard, some are holding their own in the legal profession, some have become media moguls and employers of labour while some are practicing their crafts as political appointees.
” It is at this reception that MARAN hopes to unveil their excellence and celebrate their rising profiles”, Olojo declared.
The reception, which will be held on April 24, 2026 at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, is expected to feature award presentations, goodwill messages, and networking sessions that will foster deeper engagement among stakeholders while celebrating excellence in maritime journalism.
As the momentum continues to build, the association therefore calls on industry stakeholders, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to be part of this historic event through sponsorships, partnerships, and active participation.
MARAN is the foremost maritime journalists beat association, and a professional body that is committed to promoting ethical journalism, capacity building, and informed reporting within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Come Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) and Hynek Media will host a one-day seminar at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa GRA, Lagos. This is part of efforts to create needed public awareness on the National Single Window (NSW), the Federal Government’s flagship trade facilitation project.
With the theme, “National Single Window: Strategies to Avert Failure,” the parley provides a platform for stakeholders to openly discuss concerns and chart strategies for the effective implementation of the NSW.
Sub-themes of the seminar are Transparency in Single Window Project – A Key to Sustainability, and Inter-Agency Rival-Free Collaboration for NSW Success.
Dr. Segun Musa, Lead Consultant, Global Transport Policy, will deliver a keynote address while many maritime eggheads have been lined up as panel of discussants.
These include Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Customs Consultative Committee who chairs the event while Hon. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN will be the Co-Chairman.
Other high-profile participants expected include Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (Chief Guest of Honour), Mr. Tola Fakolade, Director, National Single Window (Special Guest of Honour), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG, NIMASA. Others are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, Acting MD, NIWA, and Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, MD, Lagos Free Trade Zone.
The seminar will feature insights from customs controllers, freight forwarders’ associations, indigenous terminal operators, and regulators.
According to the organizers, the event offers a rare opportunity to harvest ideas and align government agencies, private operators and civil society organizations around a shared vision for a seamless trade ecosystem.
Officials project that the NSW could reduce transaction costs by up to 25% and increase government revenue by 20%. However, experts caution that Nigeria’s history of reform setbacks underscores the need for robust safeguards to ensure success.
Maritime Agencies
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah says stakeholders and the general public should evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability instead of speculating about personal political ambition as he will continue to operate within his mandate as CEO regardless of external narratives.
His commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, he notes, is his priority as he ensures that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global matitime trade.
Dr Akutah stated this while dismissing as unfounded and irrelevant suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties. Some
stakeholders have even linked their concerns to recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector.
Akutah who said the allegations are a misrepresentation of his priorities stressed that his focus remains firm on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities under the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
While public officials are often subject to speculation regarding personal political intentions, he insists, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
According to him, all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations, and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that the Council’s priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter the Council’s regulatory direction, as his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency such as the NSC requires focus, continuity and adherence to due process. His attention , he insists, remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW: MACI, Hynek Host Parley To Address Risks and Concerns.
Akutah, Shippers’ Council Boss, Denies Political Distraction Claims, Insists He’s Focused on His Duties.
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TRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
NIMASA Collaborates With KAIPTC To Empower West African Women For Digital Participation In Maritime Sector.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, 2026: NIMASA Commits To Women Inclusion in Maritime Sector.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTincan Customs Posts Over N120.4bn in February, 2026, A Huge Leap Above the February 2025 Records.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoOyetola Welcomes EU Delegation, Urges Stronger Role Against Illegal Fishing, Maritime Crimes in the GoG.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoTRADE FACILITATION: FG Unveils National Single Window To Encourage Coordinated and Technology-Driven Trade System.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNPA Deepens Digitalization,Targets Port Community System As ETO undergoes Review.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoICTN: FG Gives Shippers’ Council Nod for a Roll-Out, Agencies Sign Performance Bonds.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoMaritime Journalists’ Group, MARAN, Set To Honour Her Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoPORTS MODERNIZATION, NATIONAL SINGLE WINDOW TO TACKLE PORTS CHALLENGES, Says NPA MD.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoNigeria Canvasses Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit.