Cargo Agents Protest FAAN’s Planned Demolition of Secretariats at Lagos Airport
257% Tariff Increase and Secretariat Demolition Spark Stand-off at Lagos Airport
Tension has escalated at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos as cargo agents, operating under several prominent associations, have formally kicked against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria's (FAAN) plan to demolish their administrative secretariats. The agents have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alleging that the demolition threat is a retaliatory measure for their opposition to a recent 257% increase in cargo tariffs.
The dispute centers on a "Notice to Quit" issued by FAAN on January 27, 2026, which directed the associations to vacate their premises at the Hajj and Cargo terminals immediately.
The Core of the Dispute: Tariffs and Infrastructure
The friction between the authorities and the agents intensified following FAAN's implementation of a new tariff regime on February 2, 2026. The new policy raised cargo charges from ₦7 per kilogramme to ₦25 per kilogramme.
Organised labour groups, including the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), argue that the hike is "obnoxious" and was implemented without the stakeholder consultation required by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.
Key grievances from the Cargo Agents:
Retaliatory Action: Agents claim the demolition notice is "institutional blackmail" intended to force compliance with the new ₦25/kg rate.
Lack of Alternatives: According to Dr. Segun Musa, Deputy President of NAGAFF, a 15 year old agreement exists where FAAN promised to provide a "Cargo Village" as a permanent alternative before any eviction.
Economic Timing: Stakeholders argue that a 257% increase will discourage exports and inflate the cost of imported goods, further straining the Nigerian economy.
FAAN’s Position: Safety and Modernization
FAAN management, led by Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, maintains that the removal of these structures is essential for the MMIA Rehabilitation and Expansion Project. The authority recently announced the total shutdown of Terminal One in March 2026 for comprehensive upgrades, the first of its kind in nearly five decades.
FAAN has defended its actions based on:
Revenue Assurance: The authority claims the new tariff is necessary to fund infrastructure and that previous "leakages" in the cargo sector have been plugged by relocating operational staff back into warehouses.
Safety Protocols: Some structures marked for demolition are reportedly located within restricted aviation zones or above critical fuel pipelines, posing security risks.
Terminal Expansion: To accommodate the rehabilitation of the old terminal, FAAN is completing a temporary 8,000-square-metre departure hall and expanding Terminal Two's apron, necessitating the clearance of legacy structures.
Current Operational Status
As of February 3, 2026, cargo processing at MMA has faced significant disruptions. While FAAN claims operations are "smooth" and that agents are complying with the new rates, union leadership has reported a "down tools" action by members. The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON) has called for an immediate suspension of the tariff to avoid a total collapse of the air cargo sector.
