Cargo agents call for dialogue on of tariff hike

Licensed cargo agents and freight forwarders operating at airports nationwide have called for dialogue in the implementation of the proposed N20 per kilogram rolled out by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

They said FAAN’s decision to increase the cargo charge from N7 per kilogram to N20 per kilogram, without consultation and negotiation falls short of the prescribed global  standards.

Speaking at a briefing at the Lagos Airport yesterday, Dr Segun Musa on behalf of the agents and other stakeholders said they are ready for discussions with the Federal Government and its agencies to resolve the impasse , so as not to create any negative impact on government’s revenue drive.

Musa said , the agents are prepared to see reasons with FAAN , on how to increase the volume of cargo processed through the airports, which could earn the government more revenue than the arbitrary increase in cargo levy.

He said though agents in Lagos Airport have stopped activities to express their over the development, discussions are of going for the action not to cripple activities at other airports.

Stakeholders challenging the hike in cargo charges include : Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANCLA); National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwards and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC).

The groups said FAAN should consult widely before insisting on the implementation of the new charge regime.

Musa said :” We are not protesting , but urging the government to discuss with stakeholders on the modalities for  the implementation of the new charge.

 The new rates, which raised cargo charges from N7 per kilogram to N20 per kilogram, took effect on February 2, 2026.

Air cargo handling fees increased from N5 to N15 per kilogram.

Transhipment, courier, and perishables: Increased from N20 to N40 per kilogram.

 The authority stated that the hike was necessary to reflect current operational costs and to follow up on the stabilization of cargo operations, as the increase was initially approved in 2025.

Agents argue that the increase is too high, as it contravene  International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines regarding stakeholder consultation, and will significantly raise the cost of doing business, making Nigerian exports less competitive.

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 Agents have alleged that FAAN has threatened to demolish their offices at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in response to their opposition to the new tariff.