Airports on edge as FAAN implements 257% cargo tariff increase

Tension has escalated at major airports across Nigeria following resistance by freight forwarders and clearing agents to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) enforcement of a 257 per cent increase in cargo handling tariffs.
FAAN recently raised air cargo charges from ₦7 per kilogramme to ₦25 per kilogramme, a decision stakeholders say will significantly raise the cost of doing business while increasing pressure on importers, exporters and consumers.

The development has disrupted operations at key cargo terminals, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; and Port Harcourt International Airport.
According to FAAN, the tariff review—initially scheduled for implementation in 2025—was deferred to February 2, 2026, to allow the authority address operational inefficiencies and curb revenue leakages.
A FAAN official explained that implementing the increase earlier would not have delivered meaningful revenue due to systemic gaps, noting that recent corrective measures would now guarantee improved revenue performance.
The authority added that the adjustment was intended to enhance transparency, strengthen air cargo operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the aviation sector.
However, clearing agents and freight forwarders have rejected the hike, warning that it could discourage exports, inflate import costs and further weaken the already fragile air cargo market.
They argued that the additional cost would ultimately be transferred to businesses and consumers, describing the new charges as unjustified and beyond FAAN’s statutory authority.
President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, said the association had outrightly rejected the policy due to its potential to destabilise the sector.
“This increase was introduced against the advice and objections of key stakeholders. It will sharply raise air cargo operation costs, discourage exports and escalate import expenses,” Ogunojemite stated.
He questioned the justification for the steep increase, especially in the absence of visible improvements in cargo infrastructure and service delivery.
“We urge FAAN and the federal government to reconsider this policy in the interest of trade facilitation, economic stability and national competitiveness,” he added.
Similarly, Segun Oduntan of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents called for wider stakeholder consultations before implementing such measures, stressing that any tariff increase would ultimately affect all Nigerians.
“We are not opposed to revenue generation, but there must be adequate engagement and sensitisation,” he said.
Also speaking, Deputy President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Segun Musa, warned that the tariff hike could further reduce cargo volumes. He said the association would continue discussions with FAAN in search of a compromise that would not harm the economy.
Musa further alleged intimidation, claiming that the association’s secretariat was threatened with demolition following its opposition to the tariff increase.
“We will pursue all lawful avenues to resolve the issue and ensure it is handled amicably,” he said.