NAGAFF Releases Electoral Guidelines for Western Zone 2026 Elections,Begins Election Activities

NAGAFF Releases Electoral Guidelines for Western Zone 2026 Elections,Begins Election Activities
…..warns contestants of violent and unruly conducts

By Frank Odinukaeze

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Electoral Commission (NECOM) has officially released the guidelines and timetable for the 2026 Western Zone Chapter Elections, outlining eligibility requirements, voting procedures, registration conditions, and disciplinary measures for contestants and voters.

According to the guidelines signed by Acting NECOM Chairman, Okey Justice Ngige, the electoral process commenced on May 18, 2026, with the sale of nomination forms beginning immediately and expected to close on June 18, 2026.

The commission stated that only bonafide registered members of NAGAFF and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) would be eligible to contest or vote in the election. Contestants must also possess relevant freight forwarding qualifications or be undergoing maritime-related studies, while professional certifications from NAGAFF Academy or affiliated maritime institutions will serve as added advantages.

NECOM further emphasized that staff of freight forwarding and licensed customs companies must register individually with both NAGAFF and CRFFN before qualifying as voters or contestants.
Under the new rules, chairmanship aspirants must not be below 30 years of age, while candidates for other elective offices must be at least 25 years old. In addition, contestants seeking executive positions at chapter level must have maintained active membership in NAGAFF for no less than two months before the election date.

The commission also directed incumbent executives seeking re-election to ensure all chapter dues and remittances are fully paid, warning that failure to comply could lead to disqualification unless waived by the Founder or National President.

Nomination forms are obtainable at the NAGAFF National Headquarters upon presentation of supporting documents, including evidence of payment of annual subscriptions and CRFFN registration. Payments for nomination forms and subscriptions are to be made through the association’s designated UBA account.

NECOM disclosed that voting would take place at the NAGAFF Headquarters between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., using an open-secret ballot system. Counting of votes and declaration of results will commence immediately after voting.

The commission warned contestants against violence, intimidation, harassment, or the use of abusive language during campaigns, stressing that violators risk sanctions, including outright disqualification.

To ensure transparency, every contestant is required to provide at least two referees who are bonafide members of NAGAFF within their respective chapters.

The electoral body also announced that only members whose names appear in the official chapter registers submitted to headquarters before June 18, 2026, would be accredited to participate in the elections.

On membership subscriptions, NECOM stated that old members must pay updated annual subscriptions covering 2023 to 2026, alongside four years of CRFFN subscriptions, to qualify for voting or contesting. New members, on the other hand, are expected to complete fresh registration with NAGAFF and pay the mandatory 2026 CRFFN registration and subscription fees.

Electoral petitions, according to the guidelines, must be submitted within 48 hours after the election, while the Election Petition Tribunal will begin sitting immediately after the polls and conclude within two days.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to a free, fair, and transparent process, urging chapter executives to provide a level playing field for all aspirants throughout the campaign period.

The commission explained that the electoral framework took into consideration major developments, challenges, and reforms that have occurred within the freight forwarding industry and the association over the past four years.

Elections are scheduled to hold in the following chapters: Apapa, Tin Can, PTML, KLT, Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Ikorodu, and Seme Border.

Members of the association were urged to cooperate fully with NECOM and maintain peace during the electoral period in order to strengthen the democratic structure of the association.

The commission also advised members to direct all enquires and requests for clarification to NECOM for assistance.
In her vote of thanks,a member of the NECOM, Jeniffer Okonkwo,thanked everyone for their time and equally assured that the NECOM will do a very good Job in the forth coming Zonal Chapter elections.She noted that all eyes are on NAGAFF regarding the elections and stressed the importance of building and strengthening internal democracy in the Association.
Meanwhile in an interview with the NECOM Chairman ,Fwdr. Okey Justice Ngige,the chairman explained the concession given to the Women intending to contest the forth coming zonal chapter election by the National President of the Association,High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi.He said the president did that to ensure increased women participation and gender balance.
He further explained that by virtue of the presidential concession for women,,they will now pay half of the fees for purchase of electoral forms.
Asked how he intends to ensure that the election will be fair and free without hitches,the NECOM boss ,said ,” I am assuring the whole members of NAGAFF and the general public this election for which I am presiding over will be free and fair. We will not compromise on our resolve to ensure fairness and justice.vNo one will be treated differently,no matter who you are , because your integrity is at stake ,and we will not fail the members and Nigerians.”
Campaign activities officially began on May 18, 2026, and are expected to end 24 hours before the election date.