FAAN Engages Cargo Stakeholders on MMIA Cargo Village Development
The Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has convened a strategic stakeholders’ engagement meeting with recognised agents’ associations operating within the cargo value chain at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as part of efforts to strengthen efficiency, standardisation, and growth in Nigeria’s air cargo sector.
The engagement session, held on May 12, 2026, was themed, “Strategic Engagement Session on Cargo Village Development and Operational Framework,” and brought together cargo operators, freight forwarders, and other industry stakeholders to deliberate on plans aimed at creating a more transparent, inclusive, and globally competitive cargo system.
FAAN said the meeting underscored the critical role played by agents and freight forwarders in the overall cargo handling and logistics ecosystem, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among all operators within the sector.
Representing the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas, the General Manager, Cargo, Mrs Alao Mamman, said the proposed Cargo Village project would significantly improve operational efficiency and modernise cargo handling processes at the airport.
She noted that the initiative was designed to align Nigeria’s cargo operations with international best practices and global standards, while also creating a more coordinated and seamless operating environment for stakeholders.
According to her, sustained collaboration between FAAN and private sector operators remains essential to the successful implementation of the Cargo Village initiative and the broader transformation of Nigeria’s air cargo industry.
During a presentation at the meeting, the General Manager, Cargo Partnerships and Registration, Engr Jay Etim, outlined several core components of the planned development.
These, he said, include the establishment of the Aviacargo Village, creation of an integrated cargo logistics hub, co-location of major cargo stakeholders, improved operational standards, enhanced access control systems, and strict compliance with regulatory requirements.
Etim also highlighted the strategic importance of licensed agents within the evolving cargo ecosystem, noting that their participation would be vital to achieving a secure, efficient, and internationally competitive cargo operation.
Stakeholders at the meeting were also given the opportunity to provide input and recommendations aimed at ensuring that the operational framework reflects industry realities and remains practical and inclusive for all participants within the cargo value chain.
FAAN said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services to deepen collaboration with industry players while laying the foundation for a more structured, secure, and efficient cargo environment at the nation’s busiest international gateway.
