Eight-Day cargo strike over as FAAN meets agents’ demands

Cargo agents at Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos have ended their strike after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) lowered the cargo tariff.

Frank Ogunojemite, President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders & Logistics (APFFLON), confirmed that the issue was resolved during a meeting with FAAN representatives on Monday.

FAAN reduced the cargo tariff from N20 per kg to N15 per kg. Following this agreement, cargo clearing resumed on Tuesday after an eight-day strike.

Ogunojemite added that cargo agent leaders would meet with ground handling companies—Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO)—to discuss rent payments, as much of the cargo had entered demurrage. He said:

“Work will resume today (Tuesday) after a meeting with the handlers to address the rent. They have the right to collect their fees, and we are hopeful for a positive outcome.”

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Henry Agbebire, also confirmed the tariff reduction. The new rate of N15 per kg was agreed upon at a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas.

Agbebire said the compromise reflects cooperation and shared responsibility, and is expected to make business at MMA easier while supporting airport and cargo development.

The strike was originally in protest of FAAN’s proposed tariff increase, which cargo agents described as anti-business.