Rising Suicide, Deaths Among Customs Agents: ANLCA Youths Express Concerns As 2 Die in 1-week
ANLCA logo (inset) and two members who have died within one week, Mr Noheem (left) and Taiye Oyenuga
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The customs brokerage industry is in mourning following the tragic news of a young clearing agent who took his own life. This unfortunate incident, along with the recent death of another member who collapsed, has raised serious concerns within the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
Speaking on the matter, Hon Remilekun Sikiru, the Youth Leader of ANLCA at Tin Can Island Port, expressed sorrow and concerns about the spate of fatality among the clearing agents.
In a statement issued on behalf of the youths on Wednesday, Hon Sikiru said “It’s actually sad news broken to the industry concerning a youthful clearing agent committing suicide in his home on Monday night. Committing suicide as a custom agent especially the youths is not the best option which needs to be critically look into because the rate of such act is now common in the industry.
This is coming as as two members, namely Noheem who committed suicide and one Taiye Oyenuga that slumped in the bathroom.
According to the ANLCA youth leader, customs agents, most especially the youths, need to take some contented habit measures and most importantly need to reduce the pressure facing them from the Nigeria customs service, Nigeria maritime police and all other government agencies on a daily basis.
“In the space of days, we have lost two great souls due to excessive pressure which leads to slumping and suicide. Lastly, we need to monitor our health status and take precautionary measures, carry out some exercises periodically and rest if the body calls and there is a health care center at Tincan for agents opened for all clearing agents in Tincan regardless of your association.
“Though, we need to protect our importers but life moves on if you are dead with immediate effect, the job will be taken from you and given to another agent to finish it up.” Sikiru warned.
Echoing this sentiment, Nwegbe Frankypaul, Secretary of the Tin Can Port chapter of ANLCA, speaking on behalf of Chairman Prince Olawale Cole, offered condolences and urged members to seek help.
He emphasized that the act of suicide is condemned in the strongest terms, while the association extends its deepest empathy to the family of the deceased.
Frankypaul highlighted the importance of a support system, stating: “Members struggling with difficulties leading to depression are encouraged to speak up to friends, colleagues, or the association’s support desk for counsel and resolution. Not encouraging financial recklessness but urging members in trouble to stop exacerbating their situation”
The ANLCA leadership stresses that seeking support is crucial for preventing tragic outcomes and that the association’s support systems can play a vital role in helping individuals navigate challenges.
