Tension is mounting in the Nigerian aviation sector as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announces plans to increase cargo tariffs by a staggering 257%.
Effective Monday, February 3, 2026, FAAN will raise the cargo tariff from the current N7 per kilogram to N25 per kilogram, a move that is already stirring unrest within the industry.
Otunba Frank Ogunnojemite, President of the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), confirmed the development in a phone interview with The Guardian. He expressed concern that the new tariff hike would exacerbate the challenges faced by cargo operators and other businesses across the country.
Ogunnojemite emphasized that the decision was made despite strong objections from key industry stakeholders during previous consultations with FAAN management. He argued that the increase would drive up the cost of air cargo operations, discourage exports, inflate import costs, and ultimately place greater strain on Nigerian businesses and consumers.
“The Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) is deeply concerned about the increase in cargo charges from N7 to N25 per kilogram, which will take effect on 2nd February 2026. This comes at a time when the government is striving to reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria,” Ogunnojemite said.
He also questioned the reasoning behind such a drastic tariff increase, pointing out that it came at a time when there had been no major improvements in infrastructure or services at Nigerian airports.
Ogunnojemite called on FAAN to urgently reconsider and suspend the decision, citing the need for trade facilitation, economic stability, and national competitiveness.
In response, FAAN issued a statement on Thursday explaining that the tariff adjustment was part of its approved plan, which had been delayed from 2025 to allow time to address systemic inefficiencies and stabilize operational processes. The agency also stated that the increase was part of efforts to close major revenue leakages.
FAAN highlighted that the increase in cargo tariffs follows significant improvements in operational efficiency and revenue performance due to strategic reforms implemented by its Cargo Development and Services Directorate.
While FAAN defends the tariff hike, industry stakeholders remain wary of the potential impact on business operations, calling for a more balanced approach that considers both infrastructure improvements and the economic realities faced by businesses in Nigeria.
