Nigeria Association of Auctioneers strengthens unity at AGM ahead of national elections in Abuja

By Solomon Igwe

The Nigeria Association of Auctioneers (NAA) has turned a new page as members from across the country converged on Abuja for a historic Annual General Meeting (AGM) and National Executive Elections.
The two-day gathering, held at Villa Park Hotel & Suites in Durumi, brought together auctioneers from all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in what stakeholders described as a defining moment for unity, reconciliation and institutional rebirth.

Delivering her welcome address, Chairman of the Transition/Election Committee, Hajiya Salamatu Abdullahi, declared that the day marked the fulfilment of a crucial mandate entrusted to her committee by the Board of Trustees (BOT).
“The Transition/Election Committee was constituted after the former Executive Committee exceeded its constitutional tenure, and that created disharmony within the Association,” she said.
“In the interest of peace and legality, the Board of Trustees, in their wisdom, mandated us to manage the Association’s affairs, reconcile aggrieved members and conduct a credible national election. Today marks the fulfilment of that mandate.”
Her remarks were met with applause from delegates who described the atmosphere at the AGM as peaceful, orderly and filled with renewed optimism.

In a major reconciliation breakthrough, Hajiya Salamatu announced that former National President of the Association, Alhaji Aliyu Kiliya, had withdrawn all legal cases instituted against the Association.
According to her, Kiliya also handed over properties belonging to the Association and remitted all monies in his possession to the NAA “in the interest of peace and harmony.”
The development was widely seen as a turning point, paving the way for healing and institutional stability.
She appealed to members to sustain the spirit of unity, urging them to close ranks and focus on strengthening the Association’s professional standards and national relevance.

Special commendation was given to the Board of Trustees, led by its Chairman, HRM Alfred Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Brass Kingdom, for what was described as their “fatherly intervention” in restoring peace.
Other BoT members acknowledged for their roles in reconciliation included Alhaji Musa Sule, Pa Ajuwon Suara Adebisi, Hon. Magaji S. Samke and Chief Sir W.S. Kalu.
The Chairman of the Transition/Election Committee also expressed appreciation to the immediate past Secretary, Engr. Isibor Benjamin Abhulimen, Chief I.K. Nwankwo, and other stakeholders who stood firmly with the committee throughout the transition process.

Delegates who travelled from the six geopolitical zones described the AGM as one of the most representative gatherings in recent history, reflecting the Association’s national spread and renewed internal cohesion.
With accreditation of delegates scheduled to commence early today ahead of the National Executive Elections, expectations are high that the process will produce a leadership capable of consolidating the gains of reconciliation and repositioning the NAA within Nigeria’s economic value chain.
Observers say the peaceful conduct of the AGM signals a new era for the Association one anchored on legality, transparency and collective progress.
As the elections begin, members say they are not just choosing leaders, but shaping the future direction of auctioneering practice in Nigeria.