Crisis erupts in ANLCA as Airport Chapter Chairman

By Steve Agbota

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) is facing turmoil as the Chairman of its Murtala Muhammed International Airport chapter, Prince Bamgbala Adewusi, is fiercely contesting his suspension by the National Executive Committee (NECOM) led by Emenike Nwokeoji.

Despite the suspension, Adewusi asserts that he remains the legitimate chairman. In an interview with the Daily Sun, he accused the NECOM of targeting his administration in retaliation for his refusal to join the Western Zone’s opposition against former ANLCA President Tony Iju Nwabunike and Vice President Kayode Farinto during their tumultuous tenure.

Adewusi, along with his Vice Chairman, Mr. Ben Davies, condemned the NECOM’s attempt to unseat a democratically elected executive whose tenure is still active.

In a letter dated June 7, 2024, ANLCA National Secretary Olumide Fakanlu announced the suspension of Adewusi, Davies, and Mr. Lekwauwa Ifeanyi Valentine, citing their failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to address allegations of financial misconduct.

Adewusi refuted the accusations, claiming his administration was unfairly targeted and revealing plans to sue the NECOM for defamation. He asserted that his chapter owes no dues and has even financially supported the NECOM.

“I do not know what warranted the suspension because we didn’t do anything wrong. The NECOM gave us a query and we answered it. In our response, we made it clear that we do not owe ANLCA any dues. In fact, the airport chapter has been consistently paying its dues in the Western zone, and we have been doing everything possible to support the NECOM,” Adewusi stated.

He added, “When the letter came, they claimed we owe N14 million, but we made it known that we are not in debt. Instead, the NECOM owes us. We erected perimeter fencing at our secretariat, and the former NECOM still owes us for that. We decided not to press the new NECOM about this because they just came into office.

“Later, we received a letter accusing us of misappropriating N25 million. How can we misappropriate our own money? We have not submitted any budget that would warrant the NECOM issuing us funds, nor have we been investigated by anyone.”

Adewusi explained that their lawyer had informed the NECOM that they were already in court with an order not to interfere with the office.

“When they wrote to us about a disciplinary committee meeting, our lawyer responded that we are already in court, and there is an order not to tamper with anything related to this office,” he said.

Vice Chairman Ben Davies supported Adewusi, criticizing the NECOM for fabricating a crisis within the airport chapter. He highlighted the chapter’s unity and lack of internal disputes.

Despite the suspension, Adewusi remains resolute, promising to legally challenge the NECOM’s actions and maintain stability within his chapter.