The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has gained crucial support from stakeholders to enforce compliance with the payment of its statutory port charges at the Pilgrims & Cargo Terminal (PCT) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
FAAN highlighted that these port charges are not new. Nonetheless, for the past 18 years, the authority has struggled to ensure mandatory fees are paid before cargo is released from warehouses—leading to considerable revenue losses.
During a stakeholder meeting organized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and attended by representatives from FAAN, SAHCO (Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc), and NAHCO (Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc), Lekan Thomas, FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development & Services, reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to deploying robust access control systems and electronic platforms. These technologies are designed to ensure strict compliance, all without disrupting the flow of cargo operations.
He stressed that the initiative aims to enhance accountability while preserving operational efficiency.
Lending his support, Customs Area Comptroller Awe of MMIA promised the full backing of the Nigeria Customs Service to help achieve FAAN’s goals.
He also agreed to gather heads of stakeholder organizations for a formal briefing and promote collaboration through an interactive forum, ensuring the seamless rollout of the new regulations.
This new approach reflects the forward-thinking leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Olubunmi Kuku. Her dedication to innovation, operational reform, and revenue optimization is positioning FAAN as a benchmark for efficiency within Africa’s aviation industry.
Under her guidance, FAAN is adopting advanced solutions for revenue assurance while forging strategic partnerships to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in the international air cargo market.
As part of the agreements made, FAAN will formalize its updated enforcement processes by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with major stakeholders.
Additionally, the DCDS will launch a Cargo Community Forum—a comprehensive engagement platform that brings together all participants in FAAN’s cargo value chain, including regulators, operators, freight forwarders, and exporters.
