By Bon Peters
As the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) 2024 elections hot up, a chieftain of the group and incumbent Vice Chairman of ANLCA Area1, Port Harcourt Port chapter, Mazi Emmanuel Ebere Onwuka, has declared his intention to be the one in charge of the region.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, the licensed customs agent said he is qualified to lead the association in Area I because of his knowledge of happenings in the industry and the body, having served in various capacities, including as an acting financial secretary, secretary and vice chairman.
He also said he had been involved in many committees, especially the reconciliation committee at various times where he participated actively in meaningful discussions with customs, police and other government agencies concerning the members’ welfare and their businesses.
On how he would attract more vessels calling at Port Harcourt Port, Mr Onwuka admitted that the issue of vessels calling at the port has been a serious challenge, but assured that with his expertise, there should be an improvement.
Speaking further, he said at a time a shipping line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was almost pulling out of Area 1, but with collaboration and robust synergy with major stakeholders in the industry, they were able to convince MSC to stay.
“Yes, at a time, MSC Shipping Line was almost pulling out from this Port, but with our intervention, we were able to still keep it operational here.
“We even went to Nnewi with Ibeto and that trip is gradually yielding results,” Mr Onwuka stated with enthusiasm.
“We have equally approached Pacific International Lines, (PIL) Shipping Company and in no distant time, PIL will start bringing their vessels to Port Harcourt Port,” he added.
“Once elected, with the approval of our national president, we will engage other shipping companies to call Area. Our discussion with PIL will soon yield results,” he assured.
In the area of experience, he disclosed that all his life while growing up in the business as a customs broker, he has been at this port.
Demonstrating, he said, “See, my license is about 30 years old and most of these people you are seeing here passed through my tutelage. In short, my office is like a school to most of them.
“I have helped in training some people who want to learn the profession and for you to do well; you must be able to know your classification, documentation, examination, delivery among others,” Mr Onwuka boasted.
He said his administration would revive the moribund ANLCA insurance policy, engage in training and re-training of members, ensure their welfare and more importantly maintain a healthy working relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service.
“I am a due process man and my office is here at this Port. If I were a dubious man, the government agencies would have kicked me out, but I am a compliant man and I follow due process,” the chief executive of Onwuka Freight Forwarders Nigeria Limited said.
