Manny Ita
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially commenced the implementation of a new cargo charging regime today, February 2, 2026, marking the first significant upward review of these levies in over two decades. This move follows months of stakeholder consultations and is part of a broader federal strategy to modernize airport facilities and bridge the funding gap within the nation’s aviation sector. Industry experts note that the previous rates had become completely unsustainable given the current inflationary pressures and the high cost of maintaining international safety standards across Nigeria’s cargo terminals.
While the government maintains that the additional revenue will be directly reinvested into improving cold-chain storage facilities and automating security screening processes, the hike has sparked concerns among exporters and logistics providers. Many local businesses fear that the increased costs will trickle down to consumers, potentially making Nigerian exports less competitive on the global market. Despite these worries, FAAN officials insist that the long-term benefits of more efficient, tech-driven cargo handling will ultimately reduce turnaround times and minimize losses due to poor infrastructure.
As the new rates take effect this morning, all eyes are on the major hubs in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano to see how the logistics chain adapts to the sudden financial adjustment. Aviation analysts are closely monitoring the situation to determine if the increased revenue will indeed lead to the promised upgrades or if the higher operational costs will lead to a temporary dip in cargo volumes. For now, the implementation signals a firm stance by the current administration to ensure the aviation industry remains self-sustaining and capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing economic ambitions.
