Tension finally eased at Lagos’ busiest airport as FAAN cut the cargo port charge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) to ₦15 per kilogramme, ending weeks of stalled operations.
FAAN Reduces Cargo Charge
Earlier, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, announced the decision on the Authority’s official X page on Tuesday.
The dispute started when FAAN proposed raising the long-standing ₦7 charge, in place since 2008, to ₦20 per kilogramme.
Consequently, many Customs Licensed Cargo Agents opposed the sudden increase, citing operational inefficiencies and rising costs.
Negotiations And Compromise
The disagreement escalated, and warehouses locked while operators withheld inbound shipments, disrupting cargo operations across Lagos.
However, negotiations culminated on February 9, 2026 at a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development, Mr Lekan Thomas.
After careful deliberations, both sides agreed on ₦15 per kilogramme.
Read Also: FAAN To Launch MMIA Cargo Truck Call-Up System In 18 Months
This compromise balanced FAAN’s infrastructure needs with operators’ cost concerns.
FAAN stated that it will use revenue from the new tariff to fund critical upgrades, including apron and access road rehabilitation, improved security, enhanced airfield lighting, and expanded digital systems.
For example, the Cargo Community System and Truck Call-Up System are expected to cut truck turnaround by 30% and reduce cargo dwell time by up to 50% within three years.
Sector Growth Outlook
Nigeria’s air freight market, valued at over $8 billion, concentrates in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
Growth stems from e-commerce, SMEs, and diaspora-linked shipments, particularly from China, the US, and the UK.
Experts note that bottlenecks often occur after cargo arrival, especially in warehouses and during final deliveries.
Therefore, digitisation, better coordination, and investment in warehouses remain key solutions.
With the new agreement, FAAN expects to restore smooth operations, speed up cargo movement, and drive long-term sector growth.
