The National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, has laid out a bold internal reform agenda aimed at repositioning the association for greater impact, warning that complacency, apathy, and lack of accountability are stalling NAGAFF’s progress.
Speaking during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which held in Lagos on Monday with the theme “A New Chapter, A Renewed Commitment,” Ezisi did not mince words in addressing the need for a cultural shift within the association’s leadership structure.
In what many have described as a decisive and introspective speech, the NAGAFF President emphasized the need to move beyond surface-level achievements and confront structural weaknesses that limit the association’s potential.
“There is an urgent need for internal reform,” Ezisi declared. “We must be honest with ourselves — when chapter executives fail to invest in the association, and national officers treat their roles as ceremonial, we cannot expect meaningful results.”
Ezisi underscored that NAGAFF’s strength lies in the collective commitment of its chapters and the functionality of its internal systems. He raised concerns over the declining financial and strategic contributions from some chapters and lamented the growing disconnect between National Officers and their core responsibilities.
To address these challenges, Ezisi said that all National Officers will henceforth undergo a rigorous induction process to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. He added that performance metrics will be introduced to evaluate contributions and identify execution gaps across the leadership spectrum.
He also revealed plans to engage directly with Chapter Executives, urging them to recommit to the association’s financial and operational priorities, which he described as the backbone of NAGAFF’s sustainability and effectiveness.
In response to growing concerns over under-performing committees, Ezisi announced a review of their mandates and compositions to ensure alignment with NAGAFF’s broader goals. He stressed that committees are the engine rooms of progress and that when they underperform or veer-off course, the entire system suffers.
While addressing these shortcomings, Ezisi remained optimistic about the association’s future. He praised members who have shown unwavering dedication and positioned NAGAFF as a key player in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
“This is not the time to retreat. It is the time to regroup, rethink, and relaunch. We have a duty to reposition NAGAFF as a model for professionalism, advocacy, and reform,” Ezisi affirmed.
On his part while delivering a keynote paper at the NEC meeting, a former President of the association; Dr. Eugene Nweke, called on the association to embrace strategic planning, technological innovation, and global partnerships as it navigates the rapidly evolving landscape of the freight forwarding industry.
Dr. Nweke who is also the Head of Research at Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) emphasized that the industry is undergoing transformative changes, driven by digital innovation, shifting global trade policies, and changing consumer expectations. He stressed the critical importance of leadership and strategy in sustaining growth, noting that NAGAFF must reposition itself by building strong relationships with government agencies, shipping companies, and logistics stakeholders. According to him, collaboration remains the key to protecting and promoting the interests of members.
The paper presentation also highlighted the need for members to embrace technological advancement. Nweke encouraged the adoption of emerging innovations such as digital freight platforms, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. He urged NAGAFF to take the lead in providing the necessary training and resources to support the transition to a tech-driven operational model.
Beyond technology, the former NAGAFF boss called for deeper investment in professional development through workshops, seminars, and certification programs. He said continued learning would help sharpen skills and ensure that members remain competitive in the global logistics space.
Nweke also proposed the establishment of international exchange programs to expose members to global best practices, networking opportunities, and industry trends. He suggested that NAGAFF enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with banks, insurance companies, and shipping lines to secure member access to critical services and support.
On member welfare, he urged the association to create an environment where members are actively engaged and supported — not just professionally, but personally. He advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Professional Resource and Research Development Unit that will generate insights, track global trends, and provide data to guide policy and operational decisions.
In conclusion, Nweke called for unity and collective responsibility among stakeholders, stressing that only through strategic planning, proactive leadership, and inclusive reforms can NAGAFF remain relevant and resilient in the face of global industry changes. “The future of freight forwarding is here. Let us rise to meet it,” he said.
