The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Customs Licensed Cargo Agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, have agreed on a revised cargo port charge tariff following extensive negotiations aimed at balancing operational sustainability with industry competitiveness.
The resolution was reached on Monday, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the MMIA Terminal 2 Conference Room and chaired by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas.
The meeting brought together key players in Nigeria’s air cargo logistics chain to deliberate on a proposed review of existing charges and address concerns raised by freight operators.
At the end of what officials described as constructive deliberations, both parties settled on a new port charge of N15 per kilogram. The figure represents a negotiated compromise between FAAN’s initial proposal of N20/kg and the long-standing rate of N7/kg previously in force.
Stakeholders characterised the outcome as a demonstration of dialogue, partnership, and shared responsibility in sustaining aviation infrastructure.
Industry observers note that cargo tariffs are a critical component of airport revenue streams globally, particularly in developing aviation markets where infrastructure upgrades depend heavily on internally generated funds.
MMIA, Nigeria’s busiest international gateway and a major cargo hub for West Africa, handles substantial volumes of imports ranging from pharmaceuticals and machinery to perishable goods, making cost structures at the facility highly consequential for traders and logistics operators.
FAAN stated that the revised tariff is expected to improve the ease of doing business at the airport while simultaneously supporting long-term investments in cargo terminal modernisation and operational efficiency.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to its SEDI framework – Safety, Efficiency, Development and Innovation – which guides ongoing reforms across Nigeria’s federal airports.
The agency also commended the cooperation of Customs Licensed Cargo Agents throughout the negotiation process and expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with industry stakeholders would strengthen Nigeria’s air cargo sector, enhance trade facilitation, and position Lagos as a more competitive logistics gateway on the continent.
The statement was issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, who emphasised that stakeholder engagement remains central to the Authority’s strategy for improving service delivery and aligning airport operations with global best practices.
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