Clearing Agent Takes Peace Advocacy Role To Maritime Sector

Former national president of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, has pledged to channel his newly-conferred role as an International Peace Advocate into promoting conflict resolution and stakeholder harmony within the maritime sector.

Shittu made this known at the 2026 International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace, shortly after receiving the International Peace Advocate honour. He unveiled plans to establish a Maritime Desk under the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), describing it as a strategic platform to address industry disputes through dialogue, mediation and institutional collaboration.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at tackling persistent challenges in the maritime sector by fostering cooperation among key stakeholders, while strengthening mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution.

He noted that the recognition goes beyond a ceremonial title, describing it as a call to higher responsibility and renewed commitment to service. Shittu added that the role provides a broader platform to intervene in crises and contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding efforts within and beyond the maritime industry.

Drawing a link between the global observance of multilateralism and realities in the maritime sector, he expressed optimism about the opportunities UN-POLAC could unlock, stressing that peace remains fundamental to nation-building, economic growth and industrial stability.

Shittu dedicated the honour to his family, members of ANLCA, his team at the Maritime Industry Merit Awards, and stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry.

In a guest lecture at the event, legal luminary Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) emphasised the strong connection between peace and economic stability, noting that sustainable development cannot thrive outside a peaceful environment.

She called for deliberate efforts to achieve economic peace through sound policies, ethical business practices and inclusive frameworks that bring government, citizens and the private sector together.

Anishere described peace as both a moral obligation and a strategic economic necessity, warning that growth can only be sustained where justice, cooperation and stability are entrenched.

Also speaking, Director General of UN-POLAC, Prof. Eton Obong, represented by Pastor Zacchaeus Ogunsaya, said peace must be intentionally built through cooperation, justice, discipline and sincere dialogue.

He urged members of the organisation to go beyond ceremonial affiliations by embodying the values of peace in their conduct, stressing the need for integrity, tolerance and active participation in advancing the group’s mission.

Obong described the event as not just a celebration, but a call to responsibility, urging honourees to serve as true ambassadors of peace in their respective fields.