In a move that has significantly escalated tensions at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued an immediate eviction notice to four prominent freight forwarding associations. The order to vacate the Hajj and Cargo Terminal underscores a deepening rift over airport space management and the high cost of operations.
According to Business Insider, the affected associations are the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics (APFFLON), and the National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC). In a letter dated January 27, 2026, and signed by the Airport Manager and Regional General Manager (Southwest), Olatokunbo Arewa, FAAN reminded the associations of an earlier directive issued on April 30, 2025, instructing them to vacate the premises. The Authority noted that the directive had been ignored.
The latest notice, referenced FAAN/MMA/RGM/HCT.A/14/Vol. 9, ordered the associations to vacate the terminal with immediate effect, warning that enforcement action would be taken without further notice if they failed to comply. “You are required to vacate the said premises with immediate effect, failing which the Authority shall proceed to enforce compliance without further notice. Ensure all persons and personal belongings are removed without delay,” the letter stated. FAAN’s action signals its determination to reclaim control of facilities at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal, which have long been occupied by freight forwarding groups. Although the Authority has not disclosed its plans for the spaces, industry stakeholders believe the move is part of ongoing efforts to restructure airport operations and enhance efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub.
However, the directive has drawn sharp opposition from the affected associations. In a joint statement dated January 30, 2026, ANLCA, NAGAFF, APFFLON, and NAFFAC, operating under the umbrella of the Quadripartite Association, rejected FAAN’s actions and raised concerns over a proposed increase in port charges. The associations opposed FAAN’s plan to raise port charges from N7 per kilogram to N20 per kilogram, scheduled to take effect from February 2, 2026. While acknowledging the need for periodic tariff reviews to sustain aviation services, they insisted that such adjustments must be achieved through consultation and mutual agreement with stakeholders.
They disclosed that a request for a meeting with FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Services on January 30, 2026, was declined via a telephone call, a development they described as discouraging. The associations urged their members to remain calm and assured them of continued engagement with FAAN, while calling on the Authority to suspend what they termed a “hurried decision” and embrace dialogue.
The statement was jointly signed by Temitope Akindele, Chairman of ANLCA; Udo Udoka, Chairman of NAGAFF; Quadri Olorunfunmi, Chairman of APFFLON; and Abu Abdul, Chairman of NAFFAC. The standoff underscores growing friction between airport authorities and cargo stakeholders over space allocation and escalating operational costs. With FAAN insisting on immediate compliance and freight forwarders calling for dialogue, the coming weeks may prove decisive for cargo operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
