Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) has announced an adjustment to cargo tariffs at the country’s airports, with the new rates set to take effect from January 2026.
The authority says the decision follows nearly two decades without a review, during which Nigeria has faced sharp inflation and a significant fall in the value of the naira.
According to FAAN, cargo tariffs have remained unchanged since 2008, despite inflation of about 287% over that period and rising operational costs. Officials argue that maintaining airport infrastructure under the old rates has become financially unsustainable.
Under the new arrangement, the cargo port charge will rise from ₦7 to ₦20. FAAN has acknowledged that the increase appears steep in percentage terms but insists it remains below the inflation-adjusted value. Data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics suggests that a ₦7 service in 2008 would now cost more than ₦27 to maintain the same real value.
FAAN says the review is also driven by foreign exchange pressures. Much of the equipment used for airport operations — including runway materials, airfield lighting and fire-fighting equipment — is imported. While the exchange rate stood at about ₦118 to the dollar in 2008, it is now close to ₦1,500, pushing up costs by more than tenfold.
The authority maintains that Nigeria’s revised cargo charges will remain competitive within the West African region. Even after the increase, FAAN says tariffs will be broadly aligned with those at regional hubs such as Kotoka International Airport in Ghana and Cotonou Airport in Benin, while still positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for air cargo operators.
Addressing concerns about double taxation, FAAN has drawn a distinction between its own port charge and fees collected by private concessionaires.
The port charge, it says, covers shared airport infrastructure such as runways, taxiways, security, perimeter fencing and access roads. Concessionaire fees, by contrast, relate to cargo handling, storage and documentation services provided within private terminals.
FAAN has sought to reassure consumers that the impact on prices of goods transported by air will be minimal. The authority describes the port charge as a small fraction of overall air freight costs and argues that improved infrastructure could lead to faster processing, reduced delays and lower logistics costs over time.
Revenue from the tariff adjustment is expected to be channelled into a range of infrastructure projects. These include rehabilitation of cargo aprons and access roads, enhanced perimeter security, digital cargo documentation through a Cargo Community System, a truck call-up system to ease congestion, upgrades to airfield lighting, and the development of domestic cargo facilities.
FAAN said it has engaged with industry stakeholders ahead of the decision, noting that formal notices were issued to cargo operators and consultations are continuing.
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