August 11, (THEWILL) — The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Directorate of Cargo Development & Services (DCDS), has secured critical stakeholder alignment to enforce compliance with the payment of FAAN’s statutory port charges at the Pilgrims & Cargo Terminal (PCT) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The move is part of the strategy aimed at strengthening transparency and boosting internally generated revenue (IGR).
The port charge is not new; however, for over 18 years, FAAN has faced challenges in ensuring that this mandatory fee is paid before cargo leaves the warehouses. This has resulted in significant revenue losses over the years. At a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), key representatives from FAAN, NCS, SAHCO (Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc), and NAHCO (Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc)—the two leading ground handling and import-export service providers in Nigeria.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Lekan Thomas, Director of Cargo Development & Services at FAAN, reiterated the Authority’s readiness to deploy robust access control systems and electronic platforms to ensure compliance without impeding cargo flow. He emphasised that the initiative is designed to enhance accountability while maintaining operational fluidity.
In support of the initiative, MMIA Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. Michael Awe, pledged the full cooperation of the Nigeria Customs Service. He committed to convening stakeholder heads for a formal briefing and facilitating collaboration through an interactive stakeholder forum to ensure smooth implementation.
The move also reflects the visionary leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, whose commitment to innovation, operational reforms, and revenue optimisation continues to position FAAN as a model of efficiency in Africa’s aviation sector. Under her leadership, FAAN is not only implementing cutting-edge solutions for revenue assurance but also driving strategic partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global air cargo market.
As part of the agreements reached, FAAN will formalise the new enforcement framework through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key stakeholders. In addition, the DCDS will establish a Cargo Community Forum—a multi-level engagement platform bringing together all players in FAAN’s cargo value chain, from regulators and operators to freight forwarders and exporters. This forum will serve as a hub for dialogue, policy feedback, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring sustained efficacy.
Key outcomes include improved revenue protection and compliance enforcement, strengthened inter-agency collaboration and streamlined cargo flow and operational transparency.
FAAN is expected to commence access control measures shortly, with the launch of an electronic stakeholder engagement platform underway.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
