Chief CC Okafor Vows to Restore ANLCA Onne Chapter to Past Glory
By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Chief CC Okafor has pledged to restore the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Onne Seaport Chapter to its former glory if elected as the chapter’s chairman. Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday during his formal declaration to contest the chairmanship, Okafor criticised the current executives for promising “transformation” despite having been in office for nearly four years.
“You’re talking about transformation while in the same executive you’ve been part of for years. Why not transform now?” he asked. “Those of you speaking of transforming ANLCA are the same people who have been leading us till today.”
Okafor underscored his qualifications for the role, pointing to a track record of service within ANLCA. He served as Welfare Officer under Chief Ernest Elochukwu, the former National President, and as Treasurer under the current National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji. He also held the position of Presidential Liaison Officer for the Eastern Zone during Prince Olayiwola Shittu’s tenure and was a two-term Vice Chairman during Mr. Kingsley Offor’s leadership.
“I was also Chairman of the Advisory and Reconciliatory Committee, where we recovered containers for importers. The records are there to speak for themselves,” he said.
Okafor lamented the decline in operational standards at the Onne Seaport chapter, promising to work collaboratively with the Nigeria Customs Service, government agencies, and stakeholders to streamline port operations. “I will engage Customs and other agencies to ensure seamless business operations. A situation where having a Bill of Lading causes anxiety must stop. But compliance with Customs import and export procedures is non-negotiable,” he stated.
Declaring his candidacy a “rescue mission,” Okafor insisted he was not desperate for the chairmanship but determined to make the system functional again. He expressed confidence in the reforms introduced by Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, which he said would ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Reflecting on the previous election, Okafor, also known as Anaegbuachalla na Awka, claimed he was forced to step down due to what he described as “a rape of democracy.” He said: “I didn’t step down voluntarily; I was pushed out by unconstitutional harmonisation. Such a scenario will not repeat itself under the current administration.”
Okafor further pledged to revive ANLCA’s insurance policies and prioritise the welfare of its elders. He cautioned members to scrutinise candidates with personal business interests, such as bonded terminals, which could compromise their leadership. “I do not own a bonded terminal, nor do I plan to have one. Vote for individuals who will secure your business interests, not those who can be influenced by regulatory bodies because of their personal ventures,” he urged.
Chief Ekene Oyeoka, Chairman of the Association of Anambra Freight Forwarders, endorsed Okafor’s candidacy, describing him as a capable and accessible leader. “His integrity is second to none, and he possesses the humility and capacity to take ANLCA to its rightful place,” Oyeoka said.
Okafor concluded with a rallying call for unity, emphasising the need to confront challenges through dialogue and negotiation to restore ANLCA to its former prominence.
