The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS), has engaged the top 100 Licensed Customs Agents operating at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration, addressing operational challenges and improving Nigeria’s air cargo ecosystem.
Present at the event were the MD/CE, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas; Regional General Manager, South West, Barrister Olatokunbo Arewa; Terminal Manager, Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Mr. Alale; General Manager, Cargo Development, Mrs. Alawo Maman; General Manager, Cargo Registration, Engr. Jay. Etim; alongside other FAAN managers and officials.
The stakeholder forum brought together Licensed Customs Agents, representatives of freight forwarding and Customs agents’ associations, as well as other key players across the cargo value chain. Participants welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of creating a platform where those directly involved in cargo processing and movement can engage FAAN, share their experiences and contribute to improving service delivery.
During the engagement, stakeholders highlighted challenges affecting cargo clearance and movement at the PCT, including issues relating to documentation, processing, access and coordination among relevant agencies. The Director Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas acknowledged the important role of Licensed Customs Agents and freight forwarders as a critical link between the airport and cargo owners, importers and exporters, noting that their experiences provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of the cargo operating environment.
He also emphasised that improved collaboration must be supported by compliance with relevant regulations, airport procedures, security requirements, documentation standards and professional best practices. Mr Thomas further stated that the engagement would not be a one-off exercise, but part of a structured approach to identifying operational concerns, escalating them to the appropriate institutions and tracking progress towards resolution.
The engagement aligns with FAAN’s commitment to building a safer, more efficient, transparent and competitive air cargo industry through stronger stakeholder participation and improved service delivery. Through the DCDS, FAAN will continue to deepen engagement with Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders, with a focus on enhancing cargo throughput, facilitating trade and creating a more responsive business environment across Nigeria’s airports.
