Nigeria’s air cargo industry received a boost on Tuesday after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced a downward review of cargo port charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The authority fixed the new rate at ₦15 per kilogram, ending weeks of tension between airport managers and cargo handling operators.
The decision follows prolonged negotiations triggered by strong resistance from Customs Licensed Cargo Agents and other stakeholders who opposed an earlier plan to raise the charge to ₦20 per kilogram.
The standoff had disrupted cargo movements, slowed warehouse operations, and raised concerns about the ease of doing business at Nigeria’s busiest international gateway.
In a statement issued by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, the authority said the revised tariff was agreed after extensive consultations aimed at restoring normal operations and ensuring sustainability across the air cargo value chain.
FAAN cargo charge revision aims to stabilise Lagos air freight operations
According to FAAN, the new cargo port charge represents a compromise between the long-standing ₦7 per kilogram tariff that had been in place since 2008 and the ₦20 per kilogram rate initially proposed by the authority.
The agreement was reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the MMIA Terminal 2 Conference Room. The meeting was chaired by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, and brought together representatives of cargo agents, handlers, and airport management.
“After constructive deliberations, both parties agreed on a revised port charge of ₦15.00 per kilogramme,” FAAN stated, describing the outcome as a balanced solution that acknowledges both operational realities and cost pressures faced by operators.
The authority expressed optimism that the FAAN cargo charge adjustment would immediately de-escalate tensions, reopen stalled warehouses, and improve cargo throughput at the airport.
Background to the dispute
The disagreement over cargo charges had emerged after FAAN signalled plans to review tariffs upward, citing rising operational costs, inflation, and the need to modernise aging cargo infrastructure at MMIA. Cargo agents, however, argued that a sudden increase from ₦7 to ₦20 per kilogram would significantly raise operating costs and ultimately be passed on to importers and exporters.
The impasse led to partial shutdowns across cargo terminals, with agents staging protests and suspending operations in protest against the proposed hike. Industry observers warned that prolonged disruption could divert cargo traffic to neighbouring countries and weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
By revising the FAAN cargo charge to ₦15 per kilogram, stakeholders say the authority has taken a pragmatic step toward restoring confidence in the system.
Balancing infrastructure needs and business costs
FAAN said the revised tariff reflects the delicate balance between funding airport infrastructure and maintaining a business-friendly environment for operators.
According to the authority, revenue from cargo operations is critical for upgrading facilities, improving security, and deploying modern technology needed to support growing air freight volumes.
“The adjustment is aimed at improving the ease of doing business at MMIA while supporting sustainable development and modernisation of the airport’s cargo infrastructure,” the statement noted.
Industry analysts say the FAAN cargo charge compromise could help ensure steady investment in cargo facilities without overburdening operators already grappling with foreign exchange volatility, high fuel costs, and logistics bottlenecks.
Impact on Nigeria’s trade and logistics sector
MMIA handles a significant share of Nigeria’s air freight, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, and high-value exports.
Any disruption at the Lagos airport has ripple effects across the wider economy, particularly for businesses dependent on time-sensitive cargo.
With operations expected to normalise following the tariff adjustment, exporters and importers are hopeful that turnaround times will improve and costs will stabilise. Logistics experts believe the decision could also strengthen Nigeria’s position as a preferred cargo hub in West Africa.
“The predictability of charges is just as important as the rate itself,” said a Lagos-based freight forwarder. “The FAAN cargo charge revision provides clarity and allows businesses to plan better.”
Stakeholders welcome dialogue-driven resolution
Cargo operators have largely welcomed FAAN’s willingness to engage in dialogue, describing the outcome as evidence that collaboration remains the most effective way to resolve industry disputes.
While some agents maintain that ₦15 per kilogram is still higher than ideal, many acknowledge that the compromise is preferable to prolonged disruption.
Stakeholders also urged FAAN to maintain open communication channels and involve operators early in future tariff reviews.
The authority, on its part, reaffirmed its commitment to stakeholder engagement, noting that sustainable aviation growth depends on cooperation across the value chain.
As Nigeria seeks to expand non-oil exports and position aviation as a driver of economic diversification, efficient and competitive cargo operations will remain critical.
The FAAN cargo charge adjustment may serve as a test case for how regulators and operators can navigate cost pressures without undermining growth.
Observers say further reforms, including digitalisation of cargo processes, improved storage facilities, and better inter-agency coordination at airports, will be needed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s air freight sector.
For now, the revised tariff is expected to restore calm at MMIA and allow cargo activities to resume fully, reinforcing Lagos airport’s role as the nerve centre of Nigeria’s air logistics network.
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