Nigeria’s Cargo Agents make demands for befitting cargo halls, certification
The Domestic Airports Cargo Agents Association (DACAA) has called on the regulatory authorities in Nigeria’s aviation industry to recognize the importance and relevance of cargo operations in the industry.
Speaking at the commissioning of its new cargo shed in Lagos, Chairman of DACAA, Mr. Sunday Subair, said the association has had a rough journey since its inception in 2001.
According to him, from intimidation and arrests by airport security operatives to holding meetings under the tree, the association has outlived its rough beginning and is now focused on achieving greater heights in the nation’s domestic air cargo freighting.
He said there are no “proper” cargo facilities at all the nation’s airports, a situation that has impeded operations in the subsector of the industry in terms of revenue generation.
“The authorities have not been able to recognize us as an important department of the aviation industry. There is no proper cargo place in all the airports that, if properly harnessed, would become a huge income generation to FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) and Nigeria economy at large,” said Subair.
The chairman called on FAAN to build befitting cargo halls at all the nation’s airports to improve operations in that area.
“We request FAAN to have us on their plan to build befitting cargo halls in all the airports across the country. Cargo is an arm of the aviation industry like in other climes. It is a huge source of revenue,” said Subair.
The association also requested that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should recognize and grant certificates to members after training and retraining in cargo handling courses.
Irrespective of the challenges the association has faced headlong, it has indicated its determination to break new grounds in domestic cargo operations in Nigeria going forward.
To set the ball rolling, the association unveiled a new facility as its new cargo shed at Obi Village, opposite the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
Going forward, the association will focus on the implementation of a corporate strategy to reposition it to a higher operational effectiveness, and continued relevance in the larger Nigerian society through corporate and individual empowerment.
To achieve this feat, “We shall engage in proactive activities and professional development and discipline,” said Subair.
To drive forth its yearning for relevance in the evolving cargo market that is becoming highly competitive, the chairman also assured that the association would redefine its strategy to achieve its vision for a strong and dynamic body without apprehension for the future.
Another way to boost its relevance in the market, according to him, would be to work very hard in synergy with relevant authorities at the airports to guarantee the continuity of cargo operations.
