By Okoria Joshua
The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA) has promised to give free consultancy services and other supports to the Imo State government for the quick development of Inland Dry Port and Inland Container Terminal, as well as the Oguta Lake dredging to the Atlantic Ocean.
Recall that the Imo State Governor, Hope
Uzodinma had disclosed that the Federal Government (FG) has approved the dredging of the Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, in order to commence maritme activities in the state.
The ANLCA leadership led by its Acting National President, Dr. Kayode Farinto and Patron, Chief Henry Njoku among other chieftains of the association on Monday, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Uzodinma who is the Grand Patron of ANLCA, at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Farinto commended the governor for his infrastructural development in the areas of education, health, roads and other aspects of the state, despite the security challenges.
Farinto noted that ANLCA which has been in existence since 1954 has friends in various government agencies, but never had a Grand Patron.
“And we look at the work you did as Chairman Senate Committee on Customs and you also assisted us too. You recover stolen money to the Federation Account, thank you sir for that good job”, he said.
The ANLCA Acting National President who said he drew his strength from the Imo State Governor as a dogged fighter, also informed him that the National President of ANLCA, Tony Nwabunike , who is on a study leave in the United States and also his very good friend sent his warm greetings.
According to Farinto, the association decided not to bother him on a courtesy visit to allow him concentrate on issues of governance, but assured the governor that the group hopes to come later in the year to celebrate his second term in office.
Responding, Governor Uzodinma thanked the ANLCA team for the visit, assured that he will continue to do his best for his people and urged them to partner with the state.
“I want to thank you. Since 1954, this association has contributed to the economic prosperity of our country, particularly in the area of commerce.
“We are developing infrastructure to attract businesses to the state and increase prosperity, social order and welfare in the life of our citizens. My government alone cannot do it, but will provide enabling environment to make business attractive”.
Uzodinma said that his government in collaboration with the FG is planning to dredge the Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean to open up the maritme activities in the state.
He pointed out that Imo State has the highest gas deposits in the country and seven communities with oil deposits, with two FG projects on oil and gas which will open the state up for maritme economy.
