- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reduces cargo port charge at Lagos airport to #15/kg after talks with cargo agents
- The decision follows protests over a proposed hike from #7/kg to #20/kg
- FAAN says the revenue generated will be used to fund infrastructure upgrades and digital systems
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reduced the cargo port charge at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, to #15 per kilogram, following weeks of negotiations with cargo handling stakeholders and Customs Licensed Cargo Agents.
The decision was announced in a statement signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, and published on the Authority’s official X page on Tuesday, February 10.
The revision comes after strong resistance to an earlier proposal to increase the fee to #20 per kilogram, a move that had sparked protests and disrupted cargo operations at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
FAAN explained that the new tariff represents a compromise between the proposed hike and the long-standing #7 per kilogram charge that had been in place since 2008.
According to the Authority, the agreement was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the MMIA Terminal 2 Conference Room, chaired by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reached an agreement with Customs Licensed Cargo Agents operating at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on the proposed review of cargo port charges.
“The agreement was achieved at a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, 9th February 2026, at the MMIA Terminal 2 Conference Room, chaired by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas,” the statement read.
FAAN added: “After constructive deliberations, both parties agreed on a revised port charge of N15.00 per kilogramme, representing a compromise on their earlier proposed N20.00/kg and an upward review of the existing N7.00/kg.”
The Authority said the new rate is expected to ease tensions within the air cargo value chain, reopen stalled warehouses, and strike a balance between FAAN’s infrastructure funding needs and operators’ cost concerns. It also noted that the adjustment is aimed at improving the ease of doing business at MMIA while supporting the sustainable development and modernization of airport cargo facilities.
FAAN’s initial plan to raise the charge to N20 per kilogram on January 30 marked the first adjustment in nearly two decades. While some operators welcomed the proposal as necessary to fund overdue infrastructure upgrades and improve efficiency, others argued that the jump from N7 to N20 was too steep and sudden, calling for a phased approach.
Several cargo agents cited ongoing operational challenges, such as congestion, staffing shortages, and processing delays, insisting that higher tariffs alone would not resolve systemic problems.
The disagreement eventually escalated into industrial action, with warehouses at MMIA reportedly locked and inbound shipments withheld as operators protested the implementation of the higher rate, particularly for consignments already billed under the old tariff.
FAAN has said that revenue from the revised cargo tariff will be reinvested into upgrading critical airport infrastructure.
In an exclusive interview with Nairametrics, the Authority outlined several projects linked to the proposed tariff increase, including apron and access-road rehabilitation, enhanced security systems, upgraded airfield lighting, and expanded digital platforms.
The agency disclosed that a Cargo Community System (CCS) would be piloted in Lagos within 12 months, while a Truck Call-Up System is expected within nine months, with Abuja serving as a secondary pilot location.
FAAN projected at least a 30% reduction in truck turnaround time within the first year and up to a 50% cut in cargo dwell time within three years. It also said that at least 70% of incremental cargo tariff revenue would be reinvested into cargo infrastructure, monitored through key performance indicators, a Cargo Tariff Oversight Committee with stakeholder representation, and bi-annual public performance reports.
Nigeria’s air freight market is valued at over $8 billion, with major activity concentrated in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Lagos currently handles the largest cargo volumes, driven by expanding e-commerce, SME trade, and diaspora-linked shipments, particularly along routes from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Despite its growth potential, the sector continues to face challenges such as airport processing inefficiencies, fragmented last-mile delivery systems, and higher operating costs compared with regional hubs. Industry experts say bottlenecks often occur after cargo arrival, especially at warehouses and during final delivery.
Proposed solutions include deeper digitization, stronger inter-agency coordination, technology-driven address verification, and greater investment in warehousing and fulfilment centres.
With the newly agreed #15 per kilogram tariff, improved infrastructure plans, and renewed stakeholder alignment, FAAN believes Nigeria’s air cargo sector is positioned for steadier growth and enhanced export competitiveness in the years ahead.
FAAN urges aviation unions to embrace dialogue over airport concessions
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that FAAN urged aviation unions to embrace dialogue regarding airport concessions.
The unions, including ANAP, ATSSSAN, and NUATE, voiced concerns over job security and transparency.