The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced a significant reduction in the cargo port charge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, lowering it to N15 per kilogram. This decision comes after extensive discussions with stakeholders, particularly Customs Licensed Cargo Agents who had previously opposed a proposed increase to N20 per kilogram that had been suggested by FAAN. The earlier proposal faced backlash from the agents, sparking concerns over potential disruptions to cargo operations at the airport.

In response to the opposition, FAAN sought to reach a compromise that would ensure the resumption of normal operations at MMIA. The newly instituted charge of N15 per kilogram is seen as a balanced move between the proposed rate of N20 and the pre-existing charge of N7 per kilogram, which had been in place since 2008. The announcement was officially made through a statement from FAAN's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, and it reflects the Authority’s commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of cargo operations.

This change in fee structure could have significant implications for the logistics and transportation sectors in Nigeria, reducing financial burdens on cargo agents while still allowing FAAN to generate revenue necessary for airport operations. The outcome of the negotiations could also set a precedent for similar discussions in the future, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy adjustments affecting the aviation industry.