‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎If the recent arbitrary increase in charges by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is not reviewed, cargo operations across airports nationwide risk disruption, prompting huge losses in government revenue, airports freight forwarders have warned.
‎
‎Leaders of major associations operating at the nation’s airports stated this in Lagos, Tuesday. The associations included the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), African Professionals Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) and NAFFAC.
‎
‎Featuring at the briefing, among others, were Dr. Segun Musa, Deputy National President of NAGAFF in charge of Air and Logistics, and Mr. Tope Akindele, Chairman, Airport Chapter of ANLCA.
‎
‎Speaking on behalf of the groups, Dr. Musa traced the controversy to an agreement reached with FAAN in 2010 over the collection of a seven-naira-per-kilogram levy on cargo, which, according to him, was tied to the allocation of land for the development of a cargo village at the airport.
‎
‎He explained that prior to that agreement, FAAN had been collecting two naira per kilogram, a charge the freight forwarders had challenged on the grounds that FAAN, having concessioned cargo operations to companies such as NAHCO and SAHCOL, was not directly provding cargo handling services.
‎
‎He said the associations had formally written FAAN at the time, arguing that the two-naira charge was illegal, a move that led to prolonged negotiations that reportedly lasted for about two weeks and disrupted activities at the airport. According to him, an eventual compromise was the introduction of the seven-naira charge in exchange for the allocation of land to build a cargo village, a deal he said formed the basis for the current arrangement.
‎
‎“The seven naira we are talking about is attached to this land. It is like rent on this land,” Musa said, insisting that FAAN had no right to impose fresh charges without first engaging stakeholders. He argued that, just as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) relates with terminal operators after concessioning the seaports, FAAN should deal with its concessionaires rather than directly imposing charges on operators.
‎
‎The freight forwarders also raised financial concerns, claiming that FAAN had already made substantial sums from the seven-naira levy over the years. Musa said that in 2010 alone, FAAN collected over one billion naira from the charge and that from 2010 to date, the cumulative amount would be far higher than the value of the land allocated for the cargo village.
‎
‎The immediate trigger for the latest dispute, according to the associations, is FAAN’s decision to increase the existing charges without consultation, a move they said was followed by a threat letter warning of possible demolition of their secretariats. The groups described this as coercive and counterproductive, stressing that they were not opposed to a review of charges but it must be done through dialogue.
‎
‎Instead of imposing higher fees, they argued, FAAN should work with operators to create an enabling environment that would increase cargo throughput, which in turn raise revenue. “The more cargo we have, the more revenue they generate,” Musa said, adding that the present approach would only hurt all parties involved.
‎
‎Mr. Tope Akindele, Chairman of ANLCA Airport Chapter, said the ongoing standoff had already begun to affect revenue generation. He noted that cargo activities had slowed in recent days because many operators were staying away from work in protest. According to him, if a concessionaire that used to make about one billion naira weekly is now making roughly half of that, continued disruption could lead to even worse outcomes for government revenue.
‎
‎He stressed that the associations were not trying to sabotage government earnings, noting that any revenue yet to be paid due to the slowdown would still be collected once normal operations resume. “We want government daily revenue to continue. We are not frustrating government revenue. We are ready to continue paying, but let us dialogue within the shortest time so our job can commence,” he said.
‎
‎Akindele also argued that globally, increments in charges are usually benchmarked around 25 per cent, adding that this was the standard the associations were willing to consider. Beyond that, he said, stakeholders should jointly explore ways to increase cargo volume rather than rely solely on higher levies.
‎
‎Other speakers at the briefing raised concerns about what they described as multiple layers of charges on the same cargo. They pointed out that cargo handlers and airlines already collect various fees per kilogram, which are ultimately linked to FAAN, and argued that imposing additional charges on freight forwarders amounts to double or even triple taxation within the same cargo chain.
‎
‎One of the speakers claimed that aside  payments to cargo handlers and airlines, some charges could reach as high as 30 naira per kilogram in certain instances, warning that piling more levies on operators would further increase the cost of doing business and weaken the competitiveness of Nigeria’s air cargo sector.
‎
‎The associations also recalled that the original dispute over the legality of the levy had not been fully resolved in court, but was set aside in favour of a mutual understanding aimed at keeping the industry running. They warned that if FAAN proceeds unilaterally or attempts to formalise the new charges without broad stakeholder agreement, the matter could return to the courts.
‎
‎The freight forwarders called on the Minister of Aviation to intervene and prevail on FAAN to open talks with stakeholders. They stressed that they were not protesting, not carrying placards, and not seeking confrontation, but were instead asking for engagement that would lead to a mutually beneficial resolution.
‎
‎They warned that if cargo operations at airports across the country were to grind to a halt, the wider economy would suffer, describing such a scenario as a “lose-lose” situation for operators and government alike. Despite the tension, they said they had advised members nationwide to continue working and avoid actions that could escalate the situation.
‎
‎The associations assured the Federal Government that once negotiations begin, normal operations would resume immediately, with the existing status quo maintained pending the outcome of discussions. They also reiterated their willingness to work with FAAN and other government agencies to grow cargo volumes and, by extension, government revenue.
‎
‎“We are here to appeal. We are not here to threaten or to protest or to cause a breakdown of law and order,” Musa said. He added that most operators depend on daily airport activities to feed their families and sustain their businesses.
‎
‎
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎The $1.5 billion Lekki Deepsea Port which commenced operations in April 2023 with a capacity to process about 1.2 million cargoes annually continues to receive commendation for various operational milestones it has achieved within so short a time. Parading the draught of 16.5 metres, the deepest of ports under the superintendence of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), it sits on a 19- hectare land area, a recent facility tour by Police authorities has revealed.
‎
‎The tour which commenced at Lekki Deep Sea Port, had the Police authorities  received by the Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Weiliang Zhong, alongside NPA Port Manager, Mr. Emmanuel Anda and other senior officials.
‎
‎So far, the Lekki Deepsea Port has successfully transhipped over 62,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) to various West African countries;  its smart port model is unique in Nigeria while the short turnaround time for vessels stands at just 2 days. The physical layout of the Port has a 2 kilometres breakwater ridge which calms the waves from the harbour with a 9.6 kilometre channel providing the way for the 4 tug boats used by the Port to bring in the large vessels that drop  cargoes.
‎
‎The Port has a  680m quay length, with a breakwater of 2km for the Phase 1 operations. Upon expansion to Phase 2, the quayway will be extended to 1,500m, and the depth will become minus 19.5meters in the near future.
‎
‎The Port’s  development was made possible through a 45-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model from the NPA.
‎
‎The scanners only need about 33 seconds to scan a container as soon as the 5 gantry (ship to shore cranes) have  done the usual evacuation. The stacking method follows the 7 wide , 6 heights system. Moving à container from ship to shore takes a maximum of 3 minutes and presently, about 20% of the cargoes are evacuated through barges. The Port’s integrated automated operations makes business easier for port users.
‎
‎From January to August 2025, the port recorded 88,432 TEU imports, 123,013 TEU exports, 62,581 TEU transshipment moves, 16,925 TEU restows, and 34,710 TEU barge movements with a projection to handle over 500,000 TEUs by end of 2025. Transshipment already represents 38 per cent of total activity, signalling the port’s growing hub status.
‎
‎Mr Emmanuel Anda, the Lekki Port Manager, has been commended for contributing to  improve operational services at the port . This has seen the Port engage in various innovative operational methods involving the transshipment of cargoes. The Port has evolved into a strategic maritime gateway, reshaping the logistics landscape of West Africa and opening new corridors for trade and industrial ambition across the continent.
‎
‎The port facility includes three container berths, three liquid bulk berths and one dry bulk berth. The dry bulk and liquid terminal operations are in view. The Port is presently operating at about 50% of its designed capacity. Barge operations currently account for 20% of cargo movement, but rail connectivity is essential for long-term efficiency, particularly with the Lekki Free Zone’s industrial activities.
‎
‎Lekki Port’s technological design integrates automated gates, OCR systems, ship-to-shore cranes, rubber- tyred gantry cranes, FS 6000 drive-through scanners, truck parks, and advanced control systems.
‎Its berth productivity averages 18 to 20 moves per hour, with truck turnaround time at approximately 45 minutes and container dwell time at 12 to 13 days. The Port is currently Nigeria’s second-largest terminal.
‎
‎In agreement with the NPA, Mr Emmanuel Anda, Lekki Deepsea Port’s Manager, admits that the transformational impact has recalibrated West Africa’s maritime geography.
‎
‎“For the first time, Nigeria is handling ultra-large vessels efficiently; Lekki is deepening Nigeria’s presence on global shipping routes and strengthening our maritime competitiveness. He said that the port was significantly boosting export activity, helping Nigeria approach a healthier balance of trade.
‎
‎”The continued progression could see Lekki become a global export hub within 10 to 15 years”. Mr. Anda added.
‎
‎Road infrastructure upgrades are ongoing, and the planned Lagos Green Line rail connection will significantly boost cargo evacuation and accessibility.
‎
‎In the wider West African theatre, where the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is opening unprecedented opportunities, Lekki Deep Sea Port offers something rare: scale, speed and unmatched efficiency.
‎
‎Amid capacity constraints in neighbouring countries and rising demand for deep-water logistics, Lekki gives Africa a competitive edge. On an ordinary day, containers rise like a new skyline, cranes swing rhythmically over the quayside, and massive ships glide into position. Beneath the mechanical precision is something more profound: a new economic centre is being born on the Nigerian coastline.
‎
‎Presently, exports are surpassing imports, there is free-flowing cargo movement in and out of the seaports and Dangote Refinery, plus port automation—including marine operations like the 4 tugboats and efficient barging—the story centres on seamless activities within the pilotage district.
‎
‎With great enthusiasm, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has said the Federal Government estimates that more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs would be created over the 45-year concession period including revenue contributions of 158 billion dollars, alongside 361 billion dollars in national GDP.
‎

‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎
‎The 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) which appeared inactive for over six months is now reformed and better focused to perform her duties strictly in line with her mandate.
‎
‎The Team Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, disclosed this in Lagos, Friday, during the official unveiling of a new office complex at Eleganza Plaza, Apapa.
‎
‎“Today, we commission the new secretariat of the 100% Compliance Team and we are ready to take this Team to a higher pedestal”.
‎
‎He said that for over six months, the interventionist outfit went into some kind of hibernation to take a comprehensive review of internal issues especially concerning her operations and the overall conduct of her operatives with a view to performing better.
‎
‎”From today”,  he pledged, “you will start seeing the effects of a new Compliance
‎Team”.
‎On stakeholder concerns that some operatives of the Team do not live above board in their conduct even as it is said  that he who goes for equity must come with clean hands, Tanko said among every twelve, there must be a Judas.
‎On the question of discipline, every society is made up of the good, the bad and the ugly, he posited
‎
‎”We are doing everything possible to sanitise the system and to continue to maintain discipline”.
‎
‎Tanko who promised that the Team is now ready to build into the training programme of the NAGAFF Academy said  as part of the rebirth now unveiled,  Customs Area Commands are now to support regular refresher courses for freight forwarders especially in the aspect of classification. He assured that going forward, the Team’s programmes and activities are to benefit from full digitalization.
‎
‎He announced that the Team is set to acquire a new office in Port Harcourt which it plans to open come February.   “We are working hand- in-hand with the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Anti-Corruption Practices Commission (ICPC) to make Nigeria stronger. We shall also expand this new place to accommodate the TDI that will also hopefully open in February.”
‎

Dr Boniface Aniebomam, NAGAFF Founder

‎Earlier in his post-inauguration remarks, NAGAFF Founder, Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam extolled the willingness of NAGAFF leaders to add value, describing it as the driving force behind the association. Those running the Compliance Team, he cautioned, must understand the limit of their position. “The saying ‘See something, say something’ is very observatory.”
‎
‎” Do note that the Port is a Customs Port. If Customs has not released your cargo, do not make trouble until it is done; if it is released on the ground of expediency, also remember that other sister agencies are also there to intervene. The NAGAFF approach is centred on dialogue, communication, diplomacy and discussion.
‎

Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, NAGAFF National President

‎NAGAFF President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi recalled that when the NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team was inaugurated four years ago, the industry was at crossroads. There were compliance gaps, procedural inconsistencies even as operational shortcuts worked against efficiency and operational trust.
‎”Many wondered whether a single team could truly shift the culture of an entire industry.”
‎He said with the birth of the Compliance Team, the level of regulatory compliance among freight forwarders nationwide went up while infractions, delays, penalties and operational setbacks took the back seat.
‎
‎He explained that strengthened collaboration with key government agencies, especially the
‎Nigeria Customs Service, promoted ethical conduct and professionalism and has  contributed significantly to improved revenue assurance for the Federal
‎Government.
‎
‎The Compliance Team has equally enhanced the reputation of NAGAFF as a responsible, forward-thinking, and compliance-driven organization.
‎
‎ Chief Ezisi set ambitious targets for the repositioned NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team to include full Digital Compliance Integration as the goal is to become the most digitally-compliant freight forwarding body in Nigeria.
‎
‎The group is also out to reduce compliance infractions by 60% within two years through training, monitoring and proactive engagement even as institutional collaboration is enhanced.
‎
‎”We must deepen our partnership with Customs, NPA, SON, NAFDAC, and other regulators to promote transparency, fairness, and predictability in port operations.
‎NAGAFF will also establish a National Compliance Intelligence Network to  help detect detect risks early, identify patterns of malpractice, and protect members from avoidable pitfalls.
‎