Onwuka Declares Candidacy for ANLCA Area1 Chairmanship, Pledges to Boost Port Harcourt Port’s Growth
By Bon Peters
Port Harcourt /Nigeria: As the 2024 elections for the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) heat up, Mazi Emmanuel Ebere Onwuka, the incumbent Vice Chairman of ANLCA Area1, Port Harcourt Port chapter, has officially declared his intention to run for the position of Chairman.
In an exclusive interview with journalists at his office on Wednesday, Mazi Onwuka, a well-established figure in the clearing and forwarding industry, expressed confidence in his qualifications to take the association to greater heights. A seasoned professional, he highlighted his extensive experience in various leadership roles within ANLCA, including Acting Financial Secretary, Chapter Secretary, and Vice Chairman.
Onwuka emphasised that his active involvement in several key committees, notably the reconciliation committee, had allowed him to engage directly with important stakeholders, such as Customs, the police, and other government agencies, to advocate for the welfare of ANLCA members.
One of the key issues that Onwuka intends to address is the challenge of attracting more vessels to Port Harcourt Port. He recounted a critical moment when Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) was considering pulling out of the port. “At one point, MSC was almost pulling out from this port, but with our intervention and collaborative efforts with key industry stakeholders, we managed to convince them to remain operational here,” he stated.
Onwuka also spoke of the success of a recent collaboration with Ibeto Group in Nnewi, which is now yielding positive results. Furthermore, he confirmed that discussions with Pacific International Lines (PIL) Shipping Company are progressing, with hopes of bringing PIL vessels to Port Harcourt Port in the near future.
“Once elected, with the approval of our National President, we will reach out to other shipping companies to ensure more vessels call at our port,” he added, expressing optimism about the future of Port Harcourt’s shipping activities.
With over three decades of experience in the customs brokerage profession, Mazi Onwuka proudly shared that his professional journey has been intertwined with the port’s development. “My license is nearly 30 years old, and many of the individuals you see here today have passed through my tutelage,” he explained. “My office has always served as a training ground for those who want to learn the profession, focusing on key aspects such as classification, documentation, examination, and delivery.”
In addition to his experience, Onwuka pledged to revive the dormant ANLCA insurance policy, invest in the training and retraining of members, and ensure their overall welfare. His administration would also prioritise maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service, promoting a culture of compliance and due process.
“I am a man of due process,” he affirmed. “If I were dubious, the government agencies would have kicked me out by now. I follow due process, and that’s why I’ve been able to stay in this business for so long.”
Speaking on his motivation for running, Mazi Onwuka, who is also the Managing Director and CEO of Onwuka Freight Forwarders Nigeria Ltd, outlined his commitment to integrity, leadership, and inclusivity. With over 30 years in the business, he emphasised that his core values—integrity, sagacity, and the desire for purposeful leadership—make him well-suited to lead ANLCA Area1.
“I will run an open-door policy and lead with inclusivity,” he said, expressing his determination to bring positive change to the association if elected.
As the election campaign for the ANLCA Area1 Chairmanship heats up, Mazi Onwuka’s candidacy is set to bring a wealth of experience, integrity, and a commitment to improving Port Harcourt Port’s operations.
