By Joshua Yousouph
The Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) has announced a change in its leadership following the resignation of its National President, Alhaji Rabiu Bala Lawan.
In a press release issued by the Office of the Board Secretary, the association disclosed that Lawan stepped down from his position due to personal reasons.
According to the statement, the Board of Trustees (BoT), acting in accordance with the association’s constitution, has appointed the National Secretary, Chief Francis Obiekezie, as Acting President for the remainder of the current tenure of the current executives.
The appointment, which took effect from June 6, 2026, is expected to ensure continuity in the leadership and administration of the freight forwarding association.
The association directed all members, chapters, government agencies and other stakeholders to channel official correspondence and engagements to the Acting President through the National Secretariat henceforth.
AREFFN noted that the leadership transition was carried out in line with constitutional provisions governing the association, assuring stakeholders of stability in its operations and activities.
The Board of Trustees and the National Executive Council (NEC) expressed appreciation to the outgoing President for his service to the association and the freight forwarding profession during his tenure.
The association also conveyed confidence in Obiekezie’s ability to provide steady leadership and guide the organisation through the remainder of the tenure.
“We count on your cooperation and support as we continue to uphold the standards of our profession and strengthen AREFFN,” the statement signed by the Board Secretary; Innocent Daniel Elum added.
AREFFN is one of the recognised freight forwarding associations in Nigeria and plays a key role in advocating professional standards and industry development within the nation’s logistics and maritime sector.
