Tension is brewing in the Nigerian aviation industry after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced plans to increase cargo tariffs by 257 per cent, a move that has sparked strong reaction from freight operators, cargo handlers, and industry stakeholders.
The proposed tariff revision would sharply raise charges on several key cargo services, including handling and storage fees that have remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades. FAAN says the increase is aimed at modernising operations, improving revenue generation, and aligning charges with current economic realities.
However, many within the aviation and logistics sectors have expressed alarm at the scale of the hike, warning that it could significantly increase the cost of doing business, reduce cargo traffic, and weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness as a cargo hub in the region. Some industry players argue that the increase may be passed on to consumers through higher freight costs, potentially affecting the price of imported goods.
Freight forwarders and logistics associations have also raised concerns about the lack of adequate consultation before the announcement, calling for more engagement and reassessment of the proposed changes. There are fears that without adjustments, the tariff hike could drive some operators to shift business to neighbouring countries with lower charges, undermining local industry growth.
The issue has reignited broader debates about regulatory transparency and stakeholder involvement in aviation policy decisions, with calls for FAAN, the Ministry of Aviation, and other authorities to hold thorough discussions before implementing such sweeping changes.
Shopeju Olateju
NaijaTravels News