The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a registration exercise for freight forwarders operating at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos as part of its efforts to increase its revenue base. The initiative, which began on March 1, 2025, has raised concerns among stakeholders who argue that FAAN’s move goes beyond its mandated responsibilities.
Initially described as free, the registration exercise has sparked rumors that FAAN plans to impose a fee of up to Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N650,000) per registered freight forwarding company. This development has drawn significant criticism, with many questioning the legality and necessity of the exercise.
Critics have pointed out that FAAN, under its enabling Act, does not have the authority to regulate or register freight forwarders. They argue that such authority lies with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), which are responsible for regulating and licensing freight forwarders involved in cargo movement across land, sea, and air.
A source at the Hajj Camp noted, “FAAN is not involved in the regulatory functions of freight forwarding; its role is to manage the aviation space, not to oversee the activities of cargo operators.” Another stakeholder expressed concern that FAAN’s actions amounted to an unwarranted interference in the business of its tenants, including handling agents like NAHCO and SAHCOL, who already manage cargo operations under separate regulatory frameworks.
Despite these concerns, FAAN’s General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo, explained that the registration was not limited to freight forwarders alone. “It is part of a broader effort to identify and register all business groups operating within the Hajj and Cargo terminals. This is to help FAAN better understand the activities at the airport and serve the stakeholders more efficiently,” she said.
While FAAN insists the registration is aimed at creating order and improving services, freight forwarders and other stakeholders remain skeptical, raising fears that the exercise is a revenue-generating strategy rather than a legitimate operational requirement.
The controversy has intensified calls for intervention by the Aviation Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and the CRFFN to clarify the legal scope of FAAN’s actions. Stakeholders are urging for a review of the situation to prevent further disruption to the cargo and import-export operations, especially as the proposed fees could raise the cost of doing business at the airport.
As of now, FAAN has yet to provide clarity on the registration fees and the future of the exercise. However, industry experts are closely monitoring the situation, with many demanding that FAAN respect the boundaries of its statutory duties and avoid overstepping into areas already regulated by other agencies.