President Of NAGAFF Calls For Renewed Commitment, Accountability At National Executive Council Meeting
President Of NAGAFF Calls For Renewed Commitment, Accountability At National Executive Council Meeting
…..dissolves,all standing committees ,reconstitutes new Ones
…… dissolves Anselem Ikechukwu led Onne port chapter interim Executive
Group photograph of members of the National Executive Council, NAGAfF, during the NEC meeting of the association on Monday,14 April,2025,at Rockview Hotel Apapa Lagos
By Frank Odinukaeze
The President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, has called for renewed commitment, accountability, and strategic reforms within the association during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Monday at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos.
Founder NAGAFF,Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam and a NEC member, during the NEC meeting on Monday,14 April 2025at Rockview Hotel Apapa Lagos
Addressing an audience that included the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. B.O. Aniebonam; Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Chidiebere Elenama; and past presidents Dr. Eugene Nweke and Dr. Increase Uche, Ezisi, and Princess Chy Eze,emphasized the importance of recalibrating the association’s operations and addressing internal challenges with urgency and sincerity.
In his speech, Ezisi reflected on the association’s journey, acknowledging the progress made in engaging with government agencies, promoting professionalism in freight forwarding, and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. However, he also highlighted critical areas requiring immediate attention.
Fwdr Dr Eugene Nweke presenting a paper at the NEC meeting of NAGAfF on Monday 14 April,2025
One of the key issues raised was the apparent lack of investment and participation from some chapter executives. “The strength and sustainability of our association are intrinsically linked to the financial commitment and active participation of all its components,” he stated, urging chapter leaders to prioritize engagement and financial contributions to national initiatives.
Ezisi also pointed out that some national officers lacked a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. He announced plans to introduce a more comprehensive induction process and regular performance reviews to ensure that officeholders are equipped and accountable.
“The National office is not merely a title,” he said. “It is a call to dedicated service, strategic thinking, and proactive engagement.”
Dr Increase Uche,former President, NAGAfF, speaking during the NEC Meeting of NAGAfF at Rockview Hotel Apapa Lagos,on Monday,14 April,2025
Council performance was another major concern raised during the meeting. Ezisi noted instances where committees failed to adhere to their terms of reference, causing delays and inefficiencies. He pledged to review all committee structures, mandates, and compositions to ensure alignment with NAGAFF’s strategic goals.
Outlining the association’s way forward, Ezisi presented three key principles for reform:
1. Enhanced chapter engagement and investment, through proactive dialogue and collaborative projects.
2. Stronger accountability for national officers, via induction programs and performance monitoring.
3. Reauthorization of committee performances, to ensure alignment, clear deliverables, and improved efficiency.
Dr Segun Musa, speaking at the event,on Monday 14 April,2025 at Rockview Hotel Apapa Lagos
Concluding his address, the NAGAFF president urged members to use the meeting as a turning point in building a more dynamic and impactful association. “Let us commit to these principles as we embark on this new chapter together,” he said.
The NEC meeting marked the third of its kind under Ezisi’s leadership and is seen as a significant step toward repositioning NAGAFF for greater relevance and effectiveness in Nigeria’s freight forwarding sector.
Delivering a paper presentation at the event,a renowned logistics expert and former NAGAFF President, Dr. Eugene Nweke, in a compelling paper presentation titled “Repositioning of NAGAFF for Sustainable Growth and Success in a Dynamic Freight Forwarding Industry£, charted a strategic path for NAGAFF
Addressing a full house of executives, stakeholders, and industry observers, Dr. Nweke emphasized the urgency for NAGAFF to adapt to the rapidly evolving freight forwarding sector, which he noted is being shaped by technological advancements, shifting global trade policies, and new market behaviors.
A Call for Strategic Planning and Leadership
Dr. Nweke began by underlining the importance of inventive leadership and strategic planning in navigating the modern freight environment. He introduced the “Five W’s” framework—a self-analytical tool for organizational leaders:
Princess Chy Eze 1st left ,in company of Deputy National President Seaport Dr Afam Chukwuma and a NEC member
1. What is happening to my association?
2. Who is not doing it right?
3. Where are we falling short?
4. Where should we be getting it right?
5. Why must we get it right?
“These questions should guide every leader within NAGAFF,” he said, adding that leadership must constantly self-reflect and adapt strategies to meet modern demands.
Strengthening the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
He criticized the lack of awareness among officers regarding the association’s mission and vision, urging leadership to realign the organizational purpose with industrial demands. He called for simplification and periodic amendment of the constitution, stressing that documents of governance must evolve with the times.
“NAGAFF must embrace a culture of innovation, develop strong relationships with industry stakeholders, and invest in skill development,” Dr. Nweke noted, adding that the association’s academy needs sustainable attention and funding.
Participants at the NEC meeting
Navigating a Competitive Landscape
Highlighting the growing competition within the sector, Dr. Nweke revealed that many associations were offshoots of ANLCA. To stay competitive, he urged the association to leverage technology, engage in responsible partnerships, and invest in platforms like blockchain, AI, and digital freight systems.
He lamented the inconsistent operations of the NAGAFF Academy and stressed the need for it to become a cornerstone of ongoing professional development.
Cohesion and Organizational Integrity
Dr. Nweke voiced concern over internal communication and governance, criticizing actions that undermine the presidency and cautioning against unsanctioned correspondences by committees.
“Leadership structures must be respected. Let us not project NAGAFF as disorganized,” he stated, while proposing streamlined communication channels and transparent decision-making frameworks.
Participants at the event
Research, Innovation, and Monitoring
A major highlight of the presentation was his recommendation to establish a Professional Resource and Research Development Unit within NAGAFF. This unit would be responsible for conducting industry research, offering expert advisory, and fostering knowledge sharing.
On administrative implementation, he proposed creating a dedicated committee to monitor the execution of strategic plans, as well as reactivating a constitutional think-tank to serve as the intellectual engine of the association.
A Vision for the Future
In his conclusion, Dr. Nweke rallied members to work towards building a resilient and forward-looking association capable of thriving amidst industry disruptions.
“We must move beyond traditional practices. Let’s strategically position NAGAFF as a force in the global logistics chain,” he charged, earning a standing ovation from participants.
The presentation is expected to spark significant policy reviews and structural reforms within NAGAFF in the months ahead.
In his critical analysis of the presentation,former President of the Association,Dr Increase Uche lauded Dr Nweke for a brilliant presentation.
He said today’s world and business is technology based,and therefore advocated for the integration of the future of the business.Adding that the future of Freight forwarding would be technology driven.
“How do we ensure that the association continues getting revenue that will sustain it,and make it possible for it to carry out it’s responsibilities,if members default in the remittance of their dues? He wondered.
He suggested that the association should deploy the use of virtual means so that those from far can also have the benefit of the meeting.
“And for those that won’t be available, we must deploy the use of virtual means that they can also join us.
“We must have a virtual meeting so those that won’t be able to make it due to distance or due to one reason or another, they can join us online. The world is advancing. If we don’t advance with the world, the world will advance without us” he submitted.
Speaking also Dr Segun Musa Chief Executive Officer,Wide- scope Nigerian limited,issued a clarion call for innovation, digital integration, and strategic foresight in the freight forwarding sector.
Addressing a high-powered audience including the Chairman of the Board, Board Members, National Executives, past Presidents Dr. Eugene and Dr. Uche Increase, and other distinguished members, Dr. Musa expressed concern over the industry’s current trajectory, emphasizing that reliance on outdated practices could render the association and its members irrelevant in the face of rapid global digital transformation.
Dr. Musa lamented the industry’s overdependence on analogue systems in an era swiftly moving towards full automation. Highlighting the threat posed by evolving global standards and the diminishing interface with government agencies, he stressed the urgency of digital adaptation.
“In a few years, the entire global trade system will be automated. We must prepare ourselves to integrate into this new reality,” he said. “Very soon, no one will have face-to-face interactions with customs or agencies. It’ll all be online. So how do we remain relevant? How does the association generate revenue in such a future?”
Citing past challenges, such as the reallocation of port revenue collections by regulatory bodies, Dr. Musa urged NAGAFF to critically evaluate sustainable revenue streams in the face of automation and limited human interface.
He advocated for increased education and awareness within the association, particularly regarding initiatives like the Single Window system and BOW (Border Operations Window), suggesting that only a few members currently have adequate knowledge on these advancements.
“Most members are unaware of key future developments. We must catalog discussions that help integrate our members into the future of this industry,” he noted. “If we are not in the future, the essence of the forefathers that started industrialization will be defeated.”
The high point of the event was the dissolution of the Ikechukwu Okechukwu Anselem led interim administration of the Onne Chapter of the association.
President of NAGAfF,Chief Tochukwu Ezisi,advanced reasons why he dissolved the Anselem led interim leadership.He said there has to be a sole administrator to oversee the affairs oth the chapter prior to election of new Executives
Chief Ezisi commended Forwarder Anselem for a job well done.He noted that the out going interim leader of Onne port performed creditably well,and thanked him for his outstanding performance.
The NAGAFF boss appointed Chief Jerry Nwokedi as the sole administrator of Onne Chapter of NAGAfF,and Fwdr.Ralph Nwoye as the secretary.
The National Executive Council Meeting also saw Chief Ezisi, dissolve all standing committees of the association.,and reconstituted 11 new Committees.The committees include Education and publicity committee to be headed by the National Publicity Secretary NPS, Dr Chukwuemeka Iwegbuna otherwise called”Umenma”,and Ruth Umunna as
Dr.CCIwegbuna and Ruth Umunna moderators of the event
his deputy amongst others.
The president hinted that the committees would be inaugurated on a date yet to be announced.
Chief Ezisi further noted that there is a need to reposition the association for greater productivity, effectiveness and visibility.
The NEC meeting was well attended with members coming from all parts of the country
In attendance were the Deputy National President Headquarters Fwdr.Someon Nwonu, Deputy National President Seaport, Dr Afam Chkwuma, adorable Amazon Princess Chy Eze,Dr Chukwuma Iwegbuna NPS,otherwise called Umenma,amongst others.
