The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has moved to strengthen the country’s air cargo security system with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework in Nigeria.
The agreement, signed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, brings together the NCAA, Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) in a partnership aimed at improving aviation security and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain.
Under the arrangement, the initial implementation will concentrate on inbound air cargo, while the framework will also provide a foundation for the deployment of necessary technology, engagement and onboarding of stakeholders, and assessment of operational requirements.
The initiative is expected to introduce a more structured approach to the handling and assessment of cargo information before shipments are transported, strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to identify and address potential security concerns within the air cargo system.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important development in the country’s efforts to build a stronger aviation security architecture.
He said the implementation of the PLACI framework would support Nigeria’s drive towards developing a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
Najomo, however, emphasised that the signing of the agreement should not be regarded as the end of the process.
According to him, the ceremony marked the beginning of the more demanding phase of the project, which would require commitment, discipline and close collaboration among all the parties involved.
He urged the partners to remain vigilant and ensure that the agreed processes were followed properly throughout the implementation period.
The DGCA assured the companies that the NCAA would maintain an open line of communication with the partners and that any uncertainty arising during the implementation could be discussed and resolved.
Najomo said the successful execution of the project would depend largely on the willingness of all stakeholders to work together and address challenges as they emerge.
Speaking on behalf of Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution, Mr Peter Igbinedion said the signing of the MoU followed several months of engagements and preparations.
He said the project had taken approximately nine to ten months, or possibly longer, before the parties could reach the stage of formally signing the agreement.
Igbinedion assured the NCAA that the two companies were fully prepared to meet their obligations and deliver successfully on the assignment.
He thanked the DGCA, the directors and the entire management team of the NCAA for the opportunity to work with the Authority.
The representative of the companies said they were conscious of the responsibility placed on them and would work to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We will not let the Authority down,” Igbinedion assured.
He added that the partnership offered the companies an opportunity not only to demonstrate their capacity but also to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the broader national economy.
Also speaking, the NCAA Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the time taken to finalise the agreement reflected the importance the Authority attached to protecting its interests and preserving the integrity of the arrangement.
She explained that the extensive process leading to the signing was deliberate, noting that agreements of such significance required careful consideration before execution.
Tufano-Eche described the PLACI initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, saying the country was making an important entry into a relatively new area of advanced air cargo security implementation.
She said the agreement represented a major starting point for the country and provided an opportunity for Nigeria to build experience and capacity in the implementation of advanced cargo information systems.
According to her, the MoU should be regarded as a living document rather than a fixed arrangement that could not be adjusted.
She noted that while the document might not be perfect at the commencement of implementation, it provided a strong foundation upon which the parties could build.
Tufano-Eche added that the agreement could be reviewed and amended as implementation progresses and as the parties gain greater experience from the operational realities of the framework.
The PLACI framework is designed to strengthen the security of air cargo supply chains through the advance provision and assessment of relevant cargo information.
The system is expected to support a more proactive approach to aviation security, with technology and information playing a central role in assessing potential risks associated with cargo movements.
For Nigeria, the implementation is expected to require close collaboration among aviation regulators, cargo operators, technology providers and other relevant stakeholders within the air cargo value chain.
The project will also involve the gradual deployment of technology and operational systems needed to support the effective implementation of the framework.
The formal signing of the MoU represents the latest step by the NCAA to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve aviation security in Nigeria as the industry continues to adopt more technology-driven approaches to safety and security.
The ceremony concluded with the official signing of the agreement and a group photograph involving representatives of the NCAA, Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution.
All parties pledged their commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the PLACI framework, with the initiative expected to play an important role in strengthening the security and integrity of Nigeria’s growing air cargo supply chain.
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