FAAN Seeks Stronger Customs Partnership For Cargo Growth

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration with licensed customs agents to improve cargo operations and drive the growth of Nigeria’s air freight sector.

FAAN made the call during a stakeholders’ engagement with licensed customs agents in Lagos, where the agency sought to address operational challenges, improve efficiency and strengthen communication with cargo operators.

Speaking at the meeting, FAAN Regional General Manager, South West Airports, Tokunbo Arewa, said the engagement was designed to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns, offer feedback and discuss issues affecting cargo operations at the nation’s airports.

The Director, Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, said the establishment of a dedicated Cargo Directorate demonstrated the Federal Government’s increasing recognition of air cargo as an important driver of economic growth.

Thomas said FAAN was working to address operational and infrastructure challenges across the cargo value chain, while collaborating with relevant government agencies to improve standard operating procedures, strengthen access control and curb revenue leakages.

He disclosed that the agency was also taking steps to address truck congestion and inadequate warehouse capacity at cargo facilities.

According to him, the planned introduction of a truck call-up system, alongside greater collaboration with ground-handling companies, would help improve the movement of cargo and reduce delays.

FAAN also urged licensed customs agents to improve cargo packaging standards and take advantage of relevant training opportunities to enhance efficiency across the sector.

The agency stressed that a more efficient air cargo system, coupled with increased export activities, would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.

The General Manager, FAAN Cargo Directorate, Rekia Alao, said the engagement with customs agents would be sustained as part of the agency’s commitment to continuous dialogue and stakeholder collaboration.

Also speaking, the Head of Cargo Department, John Ogbe, highlighted several infrastructure improvement projects underway at the cargo terminal.

He listed the projects to include road rehabilitation, installation of streetlights and closed-circuit television cameras, improvement of toilet facilities and the deployment of biometric access control systems.

FAAN said the measures were aimed at creating a more secure, efficient and business-friendly environment for cargo operators while positioning Nigeria’s airports to better support the country’s growing air freight industry.