NAGAFF Election 2026: Obinali Emeka Secures Chairmanship Backing From the Leaders and Members.

By Stella Okocha 

As the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has entered her election season, aspirants have begun to express their interests in various positions.

The Apapa Chapter chairmanship aspirant, Chief Obinali Emeka, popularly known as Omena Cash, gathered momentum as he secured the backing of influential leaders of the association during the official commencement of his campaign activities at the NAGAFF national headquarters.

‎The campaign which marked the beginning of the association’s electoral process nationwide, attracted key stakeholders, chapter leaders, and members, anticipating personal interest in the forthcoming elections.

Speaking at the event, NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, praised the National President, High Chief Emmanuel Tochukwu Ezisi, for his leadership and commitment to the growth of the association.

‎He specifically commended Ezisi for his contribution in the acquisition of permanent national secretariat also known as NAGAFF Village, describing it as a landmark achievement for the association and members.

‎‎Aniebonam also spoke highly of the National Coordinator of the NAGAFF 100 Percent Compliance Team, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, for his loyalty and dedication to the association, describing him as his “son.”

He acknowledged Tanko’s contributions to the growth of NAGAFF and his role in mobilising members for the successful campaign launch.

Dr Aniebonam also recognised the contributions of Dr. Segun Musa, the longest-serving Chairman of the NAGAFF Murtala Muhammed Airport Chapter, commending him for laying a strong foundation that continues to positively influence the chapter.

‎ Aniebonam also openly expressed admiration for Omena Cash, reflecting the confidence many members have in the aspirant’s leadership credentials.

Earlier, the Secretary General of NAGAFF, Forwarder Godfrey Emeka Nwosu, described the campaign launch as the beginning of the association’s electoral activities across its chapters.

‎‎According to him, the era when leadership positions were viewed as the preserve of a select few had ended, noting that the association now promotes open contests and equal opportunities for qualified members seeking leadership positions.

He stated that the event reflects the democratic ideals of NAGAFF and its commitment to encouraging healthy competition, leadership development, and active participation among members.

He assured the press that the leadership of the association, under the National President, had established the necessary structures to ensure transparent, credible, and successful elections across all NAGAFF chapters in 2026.

‎”The focus is not on one individual but on delivering a quality election that will further strengthen NAGAFF and move the association forward,” Nwosu stated.

‎On the credibility of the electoral process, Nwosu expressed confidence in all aspirants, saying they possess the integrity required to seek office.

‎‎He pointed that the rally organised by Omena Cash and his supporters demonstrated their readiness and commitment ahead of the elections.

‎The Apapa Chapter chairmanship aspirant, Chief Obinali Emeka, pledged to introduce practical and innovative solutions to challenges facing freight forwarders.

He promised to strengthen the chapter’s influence within the maritime industry, improve members’ welfare, promote unity among practitioners, and ensure freight forwarders can conduct legitimate business without undue harassment or intimidation.

‎‎He also assured members of an inclusive and transparent administration that would prioritise capacity building, stakeholder engagement, professional development, and policy initiatives aimed at creating a more conducive business environment for freight forwarding operations.

Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko also publicly endorsed Omena Cash, describing him as his protégé and expressing confidence in his capacity to provide effective leadership for the chapter.

He stressed the need to create opportunities for younger freight forwarding professionals to introduce fresh ideas, innovation, and renewed energy into the affairs of the association.

‎Tanko urged members to support a candidate capable of strengthening the chapter, promoting unity, and advancing the interests of freight forwarders operating within the Apapa port corridor.