EID EL KABIR: Iju Tony Nwabunike Salutes Muslims

…Says Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders are dependable partners of Government
By Mcanthony Onuoha
The National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike, has sent a good will message to Muslim faithfuls on the august occasion of EID EL KABIR celebration.
In a press release signed by Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike and made available to the Prestige Blended Magazine, the National President of ANLCA warmly greeted Muslim faithfuls, saying the occasion of Eid El Kabir comes with very symbolic messages capable of reinforcing their faiths in the Almighty Allah and strengthening their beliefs in His (Allah’s) unseen but felt helping hands at all times.

The message reads in part,” your sacrifices which symbolise total obedience to our Creator’s directives, have become acceptable standards as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim who moved to sacrifice his son without querying Allah until an alternative sacrifice was provided.”
Continuing, Hon. Nwabunike expressed appreciation to Muslims, saying,” most of you have shown love for our country and the maritime, aviation, general transport and total logistics industries through selfless commitment to our importation dependent economy by being out there working as essential service providers even in the face of lockdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In the message, the National President of ANLCA commended Muslims in maritime and aviation sectors, pointing out that they have kept the economy moving by contributing to government revenue, helping to sustain employment and keeping the cycle of commerce moving while abiding by safety precautions as advised by National Center for Disease Control (NDDC).
However, Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike seized the opportunity to celebrate practitioners in both maritime and aviation industries describing them as true compatriots. In his words,” as Customs brokers and Freight Forwarders,you have contributed immensely to the realization of over N500b half year revenue collection by Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), and ensured goods arrived importers warehouses after exiting our ports through seamless logistics”,the message read .
He also hails practitioners, expecially those in the maritime industry, saying they have been dependable partners of the government regardless of bottlenecks created by policies and operational defects, adding that they have remained resilient amidst numerous challenges.
“Our professionalism and excellence in the face of logistics constraints like bad roads, suspended rail services for cargo movement, unfriendly and exploitative practices by shipping companies and terminal operators truly stands you out as economic caregivers”.
The National President of ANLCA reminded Customs brokers and freight forwarders of Noble but tasking role they all have to play to help Nigeria to attain her expected Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of 250 Billion US Dollars by the end of 2020, urging them to keep their eyes on the ball.
” While joining the world to celebrate this feast of sacrifice and giving, let’s not lose our guard against the Corona Virus that has altered our global economy, religious orders and social lifestyle”, he advised.
Furthermore, Hon. Nwabunike enjoined everyone to keep observing safety guidelines of regular hand washing, frequent usage of hand sanitizers, avoidance of large gatherings, keeping to physical distance rules and wearing of face masks as recommended by health authorities.
” I join you in this period of celebration and merry making while pleading that we celebrate responsibly,” the message read.
The Federal Government through Ministry of Interior had earlier declared Thursday and Friday work-free days to allow Muslim Faithfuls in Nigeria to join their counterparts world over to celebrate this year’s Eid El Kabir.