THE National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has commenced a training programme for its members on the techniques of trade facilitation.

Speaking at the handing over of certificates to the first batch of beneficiaries of the programme, the group’s President, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, said that the programme is to enable members stand for their rights whenever they are faced with challenges.

About eight of the members of the group were last week presented with their certificates of participation, even as Amiwero, who  facilitated the training, said the programme is in line with capacity building and the growing need for information technology in the world.

Among the beneficiaries who received their certificates were:  The general secretary of the association, Mr. Nchu Block, assistant general secretary Mr. Christopher Ezugwu, Tin Can Island chairman of the association, Deacon Victor Ozigbo, Mr. Yakubu A. Falana, and Miss Itodo Chioma Alero, the personal assistant to the President.
Amiwero said: “We started the training of ASCUDA and its functionality between customs valuation agreement, classification in terms of payment by importers and we have 36 courses that the members have gone through all that have to do with international trade
“the training has enhanced the level of council members and that is why you cannot see them at the ports touting.” He said the training was not politically oriented, but was professional.
“Over the years, we have been following international concept in term of capacity building for our members and I want our members to benefit from the training, that is why I established this center”.
He explained that the computers used for the training are linked to their vsat, adding that the trainees who were not versed in computer before are now computer literate.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the national general secretary of the association said “the training has been of immense benefit to them. We now know how to get information on the internet which was not like that in the past. We are very happy and we thank God for this knowledge.