FAAN Plans Increase in Cargo Handling Charges
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline
January 30, 2026
There are growing concerns over a possible disruption of airport operations across Nigeria starting from Monday, as cargo handlers and freight forwarders threaten to stage protests against a planned increase in cargo handling charges by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Reports indicate that FAAN intends to commence the implementation of a new cargo tariff regime on February 2, 2026, under which charges will rise from ₦7 to ₦25 per kilogram. The proposed increase has sparked widespread criticism, particularly at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, which handles the bulk of Nigeria’s air cargo operations.
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Sources within FAAN confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been concluded to enforce the new charges, despite strong opposition from freight operators and other stakeholders in the aviation and logistics sector.
Cargo handlers argue that the sharp increase will place an additional financial burden on their operations and threaten the sustainability of their businesses. They warn that higher tariffs could lead to increased prices of goods, reduced air cargo volumes, and a possible shift away from air freight services in the country.
FAAN, however, has defended the decision, stating that the tariff review follows internal reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening revenue collection mechanisms. According to the authority, the adjustment is necessary to address long-standing revenue leakages and support infrastructural upgrades at airport cargo terminals.
A senior FAAN official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that to Democracy Newsline the implementation of the new tariff had earlier been postponed to allow for internal restructuring and operational alignment.
“Those reforms have now been completed, and we are confident that the new tariff structure will significantly enhance revenue generation and service delivery,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria has strongly criticized the move, describing it as ill-timed and potentially harmful to the nation’s trade environment.
The association’s president, Frank Ogunojemite, warned that increasing cargo charges from ₦7 to ₦25 per kilogram could discourage exports, raise the cost of imports, and impose additional pressure on Nigerian traders and consumers already grappling with high operating costs.
Industry observers caution that unless further dialogue is held between FAAN and key stakeholders, the planned tariff hike could escalate tensions and negatively affect cargo movement and economic activities within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 30TH 2026)
