The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has joined forces with key industry stakeholders to streamline port charges at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
According to Lekan Thomas, FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, the initiative is designed to enhance the Authority’s internally generated revenue while improving operational efficiency in cargo processing.
Thomas made this known following a strategic stakeholder meeting held in Lagos on Thursday. The meeting, which was facilitated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), brought together representatives from Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO).
One of the key resolutions reached was that FAAN will begin collecting port charges prior to the release of cargo from terminal warehouses, a move aimed at addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the cargo handling process and revenue collection.
Thomas noted that the Authority is fully prepared to roll out electronic platforms and introduce robust access control systems to ensure compliance—without causing delays in cargo movement.
“This reform represents a shift toward enhanced accountability while maintaining seamless cargo operations at the terminal,” he stated.
He described the collaboration as a milestone in government-agency cooperation, emphasizing that it marks a new chapter in air cargo regulation and management in Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including improved regulation of cargo operations, stronger revenue assurance for the government, and renewed confidence among stakeholders in the air freight sector.
Thomas also disclosed that FAAN is in the final stages of launching an electronic stakeholder platform, which will support the planned access control measures.
In support of the initiative, Comptroller M.T. Awe, the MMIA Customs Area Controller, pledged full cooperation from the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that shed managers would be briefed, and an interactive forum would be established to ensure the smooth rollout of the new system.