By Joe Sanni
The idea of a permanent National Secretariat was first muted two years into the first tenure of Prince Olayiwola Shittu – led NECOM, when the issue of the two plots of land in the Abule Ado area of Amuwo Odofin – Lagos – was being discussed – and moreso, because of the actualization and fulfillment of all his campaign promises as at then.
The land was acquired during the period of interregnum in the association, when the Board of Trustees, chaired by Chief Henry Njoku, administered the association, because of the absence of a National Executive Committee.
This land was not attractive enough to commence building a permanent national secretariat, because of reasons of inaccessibility of the land, inability to get a proper guide, unsuitability for construction on the land and it is far tucked away from the business area of members of ANLCA.
In spite of this, earnest and consistent search for affordable and viable property (land or building) was embarked upon by members of the association.
Various strategies on how to finance such gigantic project, was also contemplated. The brainstorming and fantasizing went on for a while, and then slowed down.
Several months later, architects were commissioned to put the ideas of a permanent secretariat in a plan format, for marketing for funds purposes. Estate Agents were also commissioned to bring forward available and affordable properties.
Money became a forceful determinant. This, ANLCA did not have, because there were no constant funding sources for the association. So, what was done? First, it was agreed amongst NECOM and BOT members that members must be made to own the project one hundred percent. Second, members must be made to fund the entire project, even if for a long period of time. Thirdly, whatever shortfall, it was then agreed, will be sought for, from one or two stakeholders and high net worth individuals.
To jump start this process, a national committee on the permanent secretariat of ANLCA was inaugurated, with the then BOT chairman – Chief Henry Njoku as chairman of the committee to actualize a permanent national secretariat. Next was the calling of a national executive council meeting in Port Harcourt, where members were informed of the noble idea of ANLCA owning its own permanent national secretariat. Fortunately, the idea was bought instantly.
To start with, it was agreed that each registered Agency with ANLCA was to pay a flat rate sum of N50,000. Officials were to make voluntary donations and each chapter pledged sums they can afford. At the end of proceedings on that November 7th of 2013, almost Twenty Three Million was netted.
This amount, though a far cry from expectations, served as tunic to ginger the committee to go all out in seeking fund for this particular building which is set to be commissioned next Friday, 5th of September 2014. Its value was N120m, aside cost of renovation, which was put at about 70 million then.
Importantly, it was then agreed that the singular highest donour, will have his or her name emblazoned on the building, which is coming exactly sixty years after the formal birth of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) – on September 30th, 1954.
Here we are, with a delivery ensured by the visionary, focused, determined, committed and unwavering leadership of Prince Olayiwola Shittu, who did not only made the history of bequeathing to ANLCA, an elusive legacy of a permanent secretariat, but also made history as the first to be elected twice, as the National President of ANLCA, because of the preponderant, feelable and visible achievements.
The achievement of a permanent National Secretariat of ANLCA, was a collective one by all members of ANLCA, which epitomizes the Prince Olayiwola Shittu Campaign Organization (POSCO) cliché; together everyone achieves more (TEAM). With this permanent structure firmly established, ANLCA is set to drive the processes that will ensure professionalism and proper welfare of customs licensed agents, or in international palance – customs brokers in Nigeria.
Joe Sanni is the Director of Media and Publicity to the National President of ANLCA.
