ANLCA Members to Enjoy Discounts at Multi-Million-Naira Sula Royal Complex in Ikorodu, Says Sulaiman
…Five minutes from the NPA gate and the Ikorodu ferry terminal, the complex offers gym, spa, funfair and event hall.
The Special Assistant on Media to the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Alhaji Ayokunle Sulaiman, has assured members of the association of a rare discount at his newly built multi-million-naira Sula Royal Premium Complex in Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos.
Sulaiman, who is CEO of Sula Marine Services Ltd, spoke while taking DAILY TREND Editor, Dapo Olawuni, on a tour of the state-of-the-art complex at the weekend. He encouraged ANLCA members to diversify into other businesses. In this serialised interview, he also spoke about his chieftaincy title, Alakoso-Adeen of Igbogbo Central Mosque.
How does this project benefit ANLCA members? Can they take advantage of it?
Yes. While the project was going on, our National President visited twice, and the Vice President must have visited more than 20 times. I told the President that Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports are just a five-minute drive from this spot, and that once we completed the project, I wanted to give back to the industry in my own little way.
Our gym, spa and wellness centre, and funfair will offer members a percentage discount. I have told my management team that this is from me, my way of giving back to my darling association. But you must be a card-carrying member of ANLCA.
When did you join ANLCA?
I joined in 1994, when my boss was the Secretary at the Murtala Muhammed Cargo Airport. That was over 30 years ago, and I have evolved ever since.
What inspired this project, and what gap are you hoping to fill in Igbogbo?
It comes from a long-time dream. Being a practitioner in the maritime and aviation industry should not stop you from going into other industries. When you produce a seasonal product, you must have a counter-seasonal one to survive.
Remember the June 12 crisis, when the port almost ground to a halt and importation dropped to less than 50 percent. Many people could not survive that period. Since then, I decided we should break barriers and move into other industries. This one may look strange, but it is not new to me, and I know, inshallah, it will help me survive. It also creates employment, because the employment ratio around here is very low.
So the gap you hope to fill is employment?
Obviously. Here in Igbogbo we have a complex that combines several businesses, which has never existed here before.
The hall is modern. The restaurant, Sula Kitchen and Grills, serves local and intercontinental dishes and has VIP sections. We also have a snack bar (yam and potato snacks, shawarma), a suya spot, grills, and barbecued fish and meat.
There is a gym and fitness club. I always remember our President Emeritus, Olayiwola Shittu, emphasising fitness in his sermons, and the current National President is also a sportsman, very good at golf. I thought, what can I do for my people? Ikorodu is not far from where our members operate daily. Just five minutes’ drive leads to the NPA gate and the ferry terminal in Ikorodu, across the water from Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports. Our members can come here and get fit.
We also have a spa for wellness and aerobics, and the Sula Funfair, because all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. The funfair is for children and adults alike.
The swimming pool is open to the public, but you must be a registered member, though we have a one-off rate. Registered gym members get two free swimming days. Aerobics holds on Thursdays and Saturdays, followed by swimming, which is an added benefit for gym members.
How much has been invested, and how long did it take?
We started immediately after Covid, in 2022, so it has been four years of round-the-clock work. We followed due process, and building approvals in Lagos are tedious, especially for structures with decking. You don’t rush it.
The cost kept fluctuating. When we started, cement sold for N2,000, and it jumped to N13,000. That took a lot from us, but we thank God for where we are. For the total cost, I will have to consult my project accountant, because there were many unforeseen expenses.
What makes this complex different from other event centres in Lagos?
The hall is designed for 1,000 people, but we want it comfortable for about 800. The combination of facilities makes it unique. If you are at a party and food has not been served, guests can walk into the restaurant and have a meal. Likewise, if you bring your family to the funfair, the children will get hungry after playing and swimming, and can go straight to the restaurant.
How many people will the complex employ directly?
Not fewer than 85 for now, which is about 70 percent of our required workforce. At full capacity, we will have at least 100 staff.
What opportunities will it create for youths and residents of this community?
Enormous ones. Youths can use their energy positively in the gym. We have a sick bay where blood pressure is checked before anyone starts exercising, so you know your capacity. It also creates jobs.
Before now, this area was porous. Even passing at night, you had to double your speed. We have opened it up, and the economic value of the community has tripled.
What challenges did you face with infrastructure, power, funding and regulation?
I am very grateful to His Royal Majesty, the King of Igbogbo Kingdom, a lawyer and former director in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, who loves the economic development of his kingdom. He helped us overcome most of the challenges, including disturbances from local youths. He loves due process. Before we started, he told us which permits were required, and he was part of the team that drafted Lagos building regulations. Once we kept to his advice, we had no challenges.
On power, we acquired a new transformer, built a solar base with inverter batteries, and installed two giant generators for uninterrupted supply.
You have been conferred with the Alakoso-Adeen title which will also be celebrated alongside the official opening ceremony of your complex this Sunday 1st November 2026, What does it mean to you?
It is a religious title, and in Islam, unlike political titles, you must merit it spiritually and morally. You must have been tested, trusted and confirmed to have integrity. The title was bestowed on me a while ago. We are only holding the celebration now, which is why we made it a double celebration with the official opening of the Sula Royal Premium Complex.
It makes you more humane and more responsible, to the kingdom and to your fellow people, and requires you to adhere to the doctrines of Islam.
How will you use the position to support Islamic education, mosque development, youth mentorship and the vulnerable?
I have a mosque here named after my father. I take care of some of its responsibilities because the worshippers are my congregational members. The title means shouldering a lot more.
Tell us about your philanthropy and community service.
I was chairman of my estate CDA for six years. I bought a transformer for the estate with the assistance of our members, and the peace we enjoy there today was founded when I was CDA chairman. During Covid-19, I reached out to many people with palliatives, even though I am not a politician. I know my people and they know me. I have not done more than I am supposed to, and I will do more.
How has the maritime industry shaped your approach to entrepreneurship?
Our business is international, and the people I work for are multinationals. I attend meetings, seminars and workshops with them. Sometimes we even train our importers. It is a profession, and you must keep developing yourself. Apart from being a graduate and a member of several chartered institutes, I attend many seminars.
ANLCA is not just a training ground but a place that develops managers and directors. If you don’t belong to ANLCA, I don’t know what organisation you would want to belong to. The National President, Emenike Nwokeoji, loves good ideas and development, and he encourages us.
The National Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan, who is also from this town, visits here at least twice a month. He has supported this project and will tell you nothing is beyond achieving so long as it is positive. I am in the midst of great men, professionally and in my town and kingdom.
