FAAN Introduces Tougher Cargo Regulations

By Admin, Lagos

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has introduced stricter regulations to combat criminal activities within airport cargo terminals.

The reforms, spearheaded by FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, are designed to strengthen security, improve transparency in cargo operations and restore confidence in Nigeria’s air cargo system.

The revised Bye-Laws were unveiled by the Chairman of the FAAN Governing Board, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, alongside the Authority’s Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, and members of the Governing Board.

Speaking at the unveiling, Ganduje said the new regulations reflect FAAN’s commitment to sanitising airport cargo operations and creating a safer, more efficient environment for cargo handling across the country.

According to him, the review marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time the Authority has introduced dedicated legal provisions specifically tailored to regulate cargo operations.

The new provisions criminalise several offences, including unauthorised access to restricted cargo areas, touting for customers, impersonation of FAAN and other government officials, cargo theft, pilferage, and the alteration of invoices or receipts to defraud the Authority.

Under the regulations, individuals found guilty of any of the offences risk a minimum of three months’ imprisonment, fines ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2.5 million, or both.

Corporate organisations convicted under the Bye-Laws will also be liable to the stipulated financial penalties.

FAAN said the tougher sanctions are intended to serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, reduce revenue leakages, improve operational integrity and position Nigeria’s airports as secure and globally competitive cargo hubs.

The Authority expressed optimism that the reforms would boost the confidence of airlines, freight forwarders, importers and exporters while supporting the growth of the country’s aviation cargo sector.