NCAA Partners Firms to Strengthen Nigeria’s Air Cargo Security with PLACI Framework
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken a major step towards strengthening the security of Nigeria’s air cargo operations following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) for the implementation of the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as part of efforts to enhance aviation security and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain.
The PLACI framework is expected to provide a structured system for the provision, deployment and assessment of advance cargo information, with the initial phase of implementation focusing on inbound air cargo.
Beyond the immediate focus on incoming cargo, the agreement is also expected to lay the foundation for technology deployment, stakeholder engagement and onboarding, as well as operational assessments required for the effective implementation of the framework.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s continuing efforts to strengthen its aviation security architecture.
He said the implementation of the framework would contribute to the development of a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system in the country.
Najomo, however, stressed that the signing of the agreement was not the end of the process, but rather the beginning of the work required to translate the objectives of the MoU into concrete results.
According to him, all parties involved must remain focused and committed to the agreed procedures throughout the implementation process.
The DGCA urged the partners to ensure strict adherence to the processes outlined in the agreement and avoid any form of complacency as the project moves into its next stage.
He assured the parties that the NCAA would remain available to address any issues or areas of uncertainty that might arise during implementation.
Najomo said any ambiguity encountered in the course of executing the project could be brought back to the table for further discussions and clarification, noting that collaboration would be essential to achieving the desired outcome.
Representing Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS), Mr Peter Igbinedion said the signing marked the culmination of several months of work by the parties.
According to him, the process leading to the agreement had taken approximately nine to ten months, and possibly even longer, before reaching the signing stage.
Igbinedion assured the NCAA that both companies were prepared to undertake their responsibilities and deliver successfully on the project.
He said the firms understood the importance of the initiative and the confidence placed in them by the aviation regulator.
“We will not let the Authority down,” he assured.
He expressed appreciation to Capt. Najomo, the directors and the entire NCAA team for the opportunity given to the companies to demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to the development of Nigeria.
Igbinedion said the partners were committed to serving the Authority and ensuring that the project achieved its intended objectives.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the NCAA Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, explained that the lengthy period of negotiations and preparations before the signing was necessary to ensure that the interests of the Authority were adequately protected.
She said the process was deliberately thorough in order to preserve the integrity of the arrangement and establish a sound basis for the implementation of the project.
Tufano-Eche described the initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, particularly as the country moves towards the implementation of advanced systems aimed at improving air cargo security.
She noted that Nigeria was making significant progress in a relatively new area of aviation and cargo security, adding that the MoU represented an important starting point for the country.
According to her, the agreement should not be viewed as a rigid document incapable of adjustment.
She said that although the MoU might not be perfect in every respect at the beginning of implementation, it provided a workable foundation and could be amended as circumstances and operational realities evolved.
The PLACI framework is expected to support the early provision and assessment of cargo-related information, thereby providing an additional layer of security within the air cargo supply chain.
Its implementation will involve the deployment of appropriate technology, engagement with relevant stakeholders and continuous assessment of operational requirements.
The NCAA’s move comes as aviation authorities across the world continue to place greater emphasis on intelligence-driven and technology-supported security measures to protect the global air transport system and prevent potential threats within cargo supply chains.
For Nigeria, the implementation of the framework is expected to further strengthen efforts to align the country’s air cargo security system with evolving international standards and best practices.
The signing ceremony featured the formal execution of the Memorandum of Understanding by representatives of the NCAA, Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution.
The event ended with a group photograph, as all parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure the successful implementation of the PLACI framework in Nigeria.
