December 15, (THEWILL) — With the establishment of the Cargo Account Settlement System (CASS) in Nigeria, there are indications that the introduction will usher in a new model of cargo administration system in the aviation sector.
The Chairman of the Cargo Account Settlement System, CASS, Bankole Bernard, who gave the hint, assured that CASS will introduce long-overdue structure and transparency to Nigeria’s Cargo Business, creating an organised value chain that aligns fully with international standards.
Bernard, who is also the Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, explained that the system will mirror the efficiency already achieved in passenger distribution through the Billing Settlement Plan (BSP).
Speaking at the Finchglow Holdings Media Appreciation Event held at the Group’s corporate headquarters in Lagos recently, Bernard said, “I am now the Chairman of CASS so that we can do what we have done in the passengers sector to the cargo sector. The introduction of CASS means the airlines will be dealing with only International Air Transport Association (IATA) accredited cargo agents. They will be the ones to take goods from clients. That is how we will clean up the sector.”
The CASS Chairman stressed that the platform’s framework links airlines with accredited cargo agents and removes the informal practices that have limited growth in Nigeria’s Cargo Business. According to him, “The only sense of CASS is to be able to change the business dynamics in the cargo sector, just like we’ve done in the passenger sector.”
He explained that CASS offers recognised settlement procedures, proper billing and seamless reconciliation. He said these functions will provide a transparent flow of funds between airlines and cargo agents, therefore, encouraging investment and global confidence. Bernard added that Nigeria’s Cargo Business cannot grow without standards that reflect international expectations.
He said several airlines, including about nine carriers, have already begun full integration into the Nigerian CASS platform, and added that “more airlines are showing interest because they see what has happened on the BSP.”
Bernard informed that Turkish Airlines will join the system in early 2026, describing the carrier as a major freight player that moves significant volumes into Nigeria each day.
“By January, Turkish Airlines is coming fully on board. These are major carriers of cargo going into Nigeria daily”, he said.
He linked the role of CASS to the global reach enjoyed by airlines in the BSP. Bernard said BSP allows a passenger ticket to be issued in any part of the world, and CASS will now extend similar benefits to freight.
“Part of the things that Air Peace is enjoying today is because they are members of BSP.
“BSP means somebody sitting in Pakistan can issue an Air Peace ticket. Similarly, CASS will allow someone “to sit in Chicago and sell a freight, and everything gets cleared out”, he stated.
Bernard said this global visibility will expand Nigeria’s participation in international logistics. He explained that faster payment cycles, reduced fraud and clearer documentation will support growth for airlines, agents and exporters.
He said these gains will also encourage government agencies to take the cargo business more seriously.
He noted that the company is accredited by both the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and IATA and will expand its operations in 2026 to serve the last leg of its logistics business.
“You’re going to be seeing a lot of activities coming from Finchglobal in 2026 to take care of the last part of our business”, Bernard assured.
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.
