The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has secured the backing of key industry stakeholders to fully enforce compliance with its statutory port charges at the Pilgrims & Cargo Terminal (PCT) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The initiative, driven by FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development & Services (DCDS), aims to plug revenue leakages, strengthen transparency, and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
Although the port charge is a long-standing requirement, FAAN has faced over 18 years of difficulty in ensuring payment before cargo leaves the terminal warehouses, leading to significant revenue losses.
The breakthrough came during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which brought together representatives from FAAN, NCS, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO).
Speaking at the meeting, FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development & Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, said the Authority will introduce robust access control systems and electronic platforms to ensure seamless compliance.
He stressed that the measures will enhance accountability without disrupting cargo operations.
MMIA Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. Awe, pledged NCS’s full cooperation, promising to brief shed heads and coordinate with stakeholders through an interactive forum to ensure smooth implementation.
The move reflects the reform-driven leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, whose focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and revenue optimisation has strengthened Nigeria’s position in the global air cargo market.
Under her watch, FAAN is rolling out cutting-edge solutions for revenue assurance while fostering partnerships that drive sectoral growth.
As part of the implementation plan, FAAN will sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with stakeholders and establish a Cargo Community Forum to serve as a hub for dialogue, policy feedback, and problem-solving within the cargo value chain.
Key expected outcomes include:
Enhanced revenue protection and compliance
Stronger inter-agency collaboration
Improved operational transparency and cargo flow
Access control measures are expected to commence soon, alongside the launch of an electronic stakeholder engagement platform to sustain ongoing collaboration.
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