The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has taken back control of cargo revenue collection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, ending a 15-year period in which the service was outsourced.
The move, confirmed by FAAN officials on Friday, marks a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening transparency, boosting revenue generation, and ensuring that the authority captures the full economic value of air cargo operations.
For more than a decade, cargo revenue at MMIA was managed through third-party arrangements. Industry stakeholders had often raised concerns about leakages, inefficiencies, and accountability challenges under that system. With the new directive, FAAN will now directly supervise and collect charges from freight forwarders, airlines, and logistics companies operating at Nigeria’s busiest airport.
According to airport managers, the decision aligns with wider reforms by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to optimize revenue streams across the country’s aviation sector. Cargo operations at MMIA, which account for a major share of Nigeria’s air freight traffic, are expected to generate billions of naira annually if properly managed.
The resumption of direct collection is also seen as part of FAAN’s strategy to strengthen its financial autonomy and reduce reliance on federal subventions. Officials disclosed that new monitoring systems and digital payment platforms are being introduced to eliminate revenue leakages and ensure efficiency in the process.
Aviation experts say the development could boost investor confidence and improve Nigeria’s standing in regional air cargo logistics, especially as global trade flows continue to expand. However, they caution that sustained success will depend on FAAN’s ability to enforce compliance and maintain transparency.
