By Tunde Ojudun
The standoff between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and freight forwarder associations at Lagos Airport has intensified, following the forceful eviction of the groups from their offices at the cargo terminal.
At the heart of the dispute is FAAN’s new tariff regime, introduced on February 2, 2026. Freight forwarders, operating under the United Freight Forwarders umbrella, condemned the increase as unilateral and described it as “institutional blackmail.” They argued that FAAN failed to consult stakeholders before implementing the changes, insisting that tariff reviews should be gradual and preceded by dialogue to avoid disruption.
Instead of engaging with the associations, FAAN issued a directive ordering them to vacate their offices at the Hajj Camp facility. The letter warned that failure to comply would lead to enforcement “without further notice.” The associations say they had proposed a meeting to resolve the matter amicably but were instead served with a demolition notice, heightening tensions.
In a joint press statement, the freight forwarders cautioned that FAAN’s actions could cripple cargo operations at Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub. They urged government authorities to intervene immediately to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony and safeguard the flow of goods through Lagos Airport.