Esther Salifu
In a significant move to enhance transparency and boost revenue, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reinstated direct revenue collection at the cargo terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, ending a 15-year hiatus.
FAAN announced the development in a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, via the authority’s official X account on Saturday.
The statement highlighted that officials from FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services are now stationed at the cargo release points of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) warehouses to oversee real-time collection of accrued cargo charges.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has recorded a landmark achievement with the successful resumption of direct revenue collection at the cargo terminals of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after a 15-year hiatus,” the statement read.
The resumption of direct revenue collection is expected to significantly increase FAAN’s revenue streams and contribute to the federal government’s economic diversification efforts. It also reflects FAAN’s commitment to adopting international best practices in airport management and operations.
FAAN has urged all cargo operators and stakeholders to comply with the new procedures and collaborate with the stationed officials to ensure a smooth and efficient cargo handling process.
FAAN emphasized that this initiative, undertaken in close collaboration with the PTC Customs Area Command led by Comptroller T. Awe, aims to plug revenue leakages and ensure greater accountability across the air cargo value chain.
“This milestone is a testament to FAAN’s renewed commitment to operational efficiency, transparency, and inter-agency collaboration to enhance revenue performance and improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” the statement added.
This move aligns with FAAN’s broader strategy to modernize cargo operations and infrastructure at MMIA.
Earlier this year, FAAN commissioned a new cargo processing facility at the airport’s General Aviation Terminal, featuring temperature-controlled storage, advanced security systems, and streamlined customs clearance processes.
These enhancements are designed to support non-oil export development, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global trade.
