The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and representatives of Customs Licensed Cargo Agents have agreed to a significant increase in cargo handling charges at Lagos’s Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), raising the tariff by 114.29 percent to 15 Naira per kilogram from the previous 7 Naira per kilogram.
The adjustment was formalised following a stakeholders’ meeting held at the airport’s Terminal 2 Conference Room. Chaired by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, the discussion resulted in a compromise between the existing rate and an initial proposal of 20 Naira per kilogram.
In a statement, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs, Henry Agbebire, confirmed the agreement, noting that the revised charge of N15.00/kg represents a balanced outcome from the negotiations. This change means that individuals and businesses shipping cargo through MMA will now pay an additional 8 Naira for every kilogram transported.
The decision directly impacts one of West Africa’s busiest air cargo gateways. Murtala Muhammed Airport serves as a critical logistics hub for Nigeria and the region, handling substantial volumes of imported and exported goods. The tariff review is expected to affect the cost structure for logistics companies, importers, exporters, and ultimately consumers.
While FAAN did not specify the exact rationale for the increase, such adjustments are typically linked to operational costs, infrastructure maintenance, and service upgrading at airport cargo facilities. The agency’s move to settle on a figure lower than the originally proposed N20 suggests an effort to mitigate stakeholder resistance while addressing its financial requirements.
This development comes amid broader economic adjustments in Nigeria, where various sectors have reviewed fees to align with current economic realities. For the cargo sector, the new tariff may influence shipping volumes and competitive positioning relative to other regional airports. Observers will be watching to see if the increase leads to shifts in cargo routing or stimulates further discussions on efficiency improvements at the airport.
The implementation timeline and any associated administrative procedures were not detailed in the statement. FAAN is expected to communicate the operational commencement date to all licensed agents and airport users in due course. The change underscores the ongoing financial pressures facing aviation infrastructure managers and the delicate balance between cost recovery and maintaining competitive cargo handling rates.
