Nigeria, UAE Firm Seal Deal to Boost Airport Cargo Operations

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL UAE to transform cargo operations and strengthen aviation security at Nigerian airports.

The agreement, signed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, brings together top aviation stakeholders including the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Olubunmi Kuku; FAAN Director of Cargo, Olalekan Thomas; and the Customs Area Controller at Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo Terminal, Michael Oluwatoyin Awe.

Under the deal, Nigeria will adopt an Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) system, a digital platform designed to identify and profile high-risk cargo before arrival. The initiative is expected to enhance airport security, streamline cargo clearance, reduce delays at terminals, and improve transparency and revenue collection.

Implementation will commence in October 2025 with feasibility studies, while nationwide rollout of the ACI system is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.

Speaking at the signing, Keyamo described the project as “a major step towards building resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector.” He said the partnership aligns Nigeria with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and World Customs Organisation (WCO) standards, positioning the country to become a regional hub for cargo and logistics.

The minister added that beyond technology transfer, the collaboration would drive trade facilitation, improve cargo handling services, and strengthen aviation safety.

By Oshuniran Sheriff Ola