September 23, (THEWILL) — A high-level Nigerian aviation delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has concluded a strategic mission to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to explore Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems aimed at transforming Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sector.
The visit, hosted by DALIL UAE, at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the UAE Command and Control Centre, provided the Delegation with first-hand exposure to world-class cargo management and aviation security technology.
Key highlights of the mission included technical briefings by DALIL UAE – a globally recognised provider of aviation security and ACI solutions; tour of the ACI and Command Centres – showcasing how real-time data improves cargo processing, risk profiling, and revenue collection and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Government of Nigeria and DALIL UAE to establish a framework for ACI deployment across Nigerian airports.
The MoU provides for joint cooperation, technical support, and phased implementation of ACI systems, beginning with feasibility studies in October 2025 and a nationwide rollout by Q3 2026.
The Honourable Minister emphasised that ACI adoption will “strengthen aviation security through early detection of high-risk cargo; improve efficiency and reduce clearance bottlenecks; enhance government revenue assurance through real-time data; facilitate trade and position Nigeria as a regional logistics hub and ensure compliance with ICAO/WCO global standards.
With this agreement, Nigeria is set to lead West Africa in aviation digital transformation, leveraging DALIL UAE’s proven expertise to build a more secure, efficient, and globally competitive cargo ecosystem.
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.
