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 the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The engagement, FAAN noted, was aimed at strengthening collaboration, addressing operational challenges and improving Nigeria’s air cargo ecosystem.
The stakeholders’ forum brought together Licensed Customs Agents, representatives of freight forwarding and Customs agents’ associations, as well as other key players across the cargo value chain.
Participants welcomed the initiative, noting the importance of creating a platform where those directly involved in cargo processing and movement can engage FAAN, share their experiences and contribute to improving service delivery.
During the engagement, stakeholders highlighted challenges affecting cargo clearance and movement at the PCT, including issues relating to documentation, processing, access and coordination among relevant agencies.
The Director Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas acknowledged the important role of Licensed Customs Agents and freight forwarders as a critical link between the airport and cargo owners, importers and exporters.
He stressed that their experiences provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of the cargo operating environment.
Thomas, in a statement issued Saturday through the agency’s communication department emphasised that improved collaboration must be supported by compliance with relevant regulations, airport procedures, security requirements, documentation standards and professional best practices.
Thomas further stated that the engagement would not be a one-off exercise, but part of a structured approach to identifying operational concerns, escalating them to the appropriate institutions and tracking progress towards resolution.
The engagement aligned with FAAN’s commitment to building a safer, more efficient, transparent and competitive air cargo industry through stronger stakeholder participation and improved service delivery.
“FAAN will continue to deepen engagement with Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders and other stakeholders, with a focus on enhancing cargo throughput, facilitating trade and creating a more responsive business environment across Nigeria’s airports,” he assured.