30
Jan
Jan
FAAN SPARKS OUTRAGE WITH 257% CARGO TARIFF HIKE
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Caroline Ameh / 5 days
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- 2 min read
Nigeria’s aviation sector is on edge as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) prepares to implement a massive 257 per cent increase in cargo tariffs. Starting Monday, February 2, 2026, cargo fees will jump from N7 per kilogram to N25 per kilogram, a move that has sparked backlash from freight operators nationwide. Freight Operators Warn of Higher Costs Otunba Frank Ogunnojemite, President of the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), warned that the hike would escalate cargo costs, discourage exports, increase import prices, and ultimately strain Nigerian businesses and consumers.“ APFFLON expresses deep concern over the upward review of cargo charges from N7 to N25 per kilogram, despite the subvention and other revenue streams available to FAAN. We question the rationale behind this sharp increment, especially without infrastructure upgrades or service improvements,” Ogunnojemite said. He urged FAAN to review and suspend the increase to protect trade facilitation and maintain national competitiveness. FAAN explained that the adjustment follows the stabilization of operational processes and the closure of major revenue leakages, allowing the authority to implement its long-approved tariff. “Recent reforms have already improved revenue collection and operational efficiency. Relocating staff and revenue desks into cargo warehouses, along with better monitoring of unaccompanied luggage, has blocked major revenue leakages. Despite a decline in cargo throughput in 2025 compared to 2024, revenue generation and collection efficiency have significantly improved,” FAAN said. The authority noted that the tariff increase was originally planned for 2025 but was deferred to address systemic inefficiencies. Tensions Rise in the Aviation Industry The planned hike highlights a growing tension between FAAN and industry stakeholders, with operators arguing that the increase comes at the wrong time and could hurt Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
