The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS), has engaged the top 100 Licensed Customs Agents operating at the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal (PCT) of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration, address operational challenges, and improve Nigeria’s air cargo ecosystem.
The event was attended by the MD/CE, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas; Regional General Manager, South West, Barrister Olatokunbo Arewa; Terminal Manager, Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, Mr Alale; General Manager, Cargo Development, Mrs Alawo Maman; General Manager, Cargo Registration, Engr. Jay Etim; and other FAAN managers and officials.
The forum brought together Licensed Customs Agents, representatives of freight forwarding and Customs agents’ associations, and other key players across the cargo value chain.
Participants welcomed the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for those directly involved in cargo processing and movement to engage FAAN, share their experiences, and contribute to better service delivery.
Stakeholders raised concerns affecting cargo clearance and movement at the PCT, particularly around documentation, processing, access, and coordination among relevant agencies.
In response, Mr Lekan Thomas acknowledged the critical role Licensed Customs Agents and freight forwarders play as a link between the airport and cargo owners, importers, and exporters, noting that their frontline experience offers valuable insight into how well the cargo operating environment actually functions.
He stressed that stronger collaboration must go hand in hand with compliance, with regulations, airport procedures, security requirements, documentation standards, and professional best practices.
He also made clear that the engagement was not a one-off: it forms part of a structured approach to identifying operational concerns, escalating them to the appropriate institutions, and tracking progress until they’re resolved.
The initiative reflects FAAN’s broader commitment to building a safer, more efficient, transparent, and competitive air cargo industry through stronger stakeholder participation.
Through the DCDS, FAAN says it will continue deepening engagement with Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders, with a focus on improving cargo throughput, facilitating trade, and creating a more responsive business environment across Nigeria’s airports.