The crisis rocking the relationship between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and freight forwarder associations operating at the Lagos airport has shown no sign of abating, following the forceful ejection of the associations from their offices at the cargo terminal.
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The standoff is linked to FAAN’s implementation of a new tariff regime, which took effect on Monday, February 2, 2026. Freight forwarders have described the tariff increase as unilateral and an act of “institutional blackmail,” alleging that FAAN failed to consult critical stakeholders before effecting the changes.
The affected associations, operating under the umbrella of the United Freight Forwarders, occupy offices located at the Hajj Camp, a facility owned by FAAN. The freight forwarders insist that any adjustment to tariffs affecting their operations should be preceded by consultation and implemented periodically to avoid operational disruptions.
However, FAAN reportedly proceeded with the tariff review without stakeholder engagement, a move that escalated tensions between both parties.
In a letter addressed to the freight forwarder associations, FAAN ordered them to vacate the premises immediately. The letter reads in part:
“The Authority directed that you vacate the premises currently occupied by you. You have failed to comply with the directive. Accordingly, by this notice, 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 freight forwarder associations, in a jointly signed press statement issued at the Lagos Airport cargo terminal, disclosed that they had proposed a meeting with FAAN to amicably resolve the dispute. Instead, they were reportedly served with a demolition notice, further worsening the situation.
The associations warned that the action could disrupt cargo operations at the airport and called on relevant government authorities to urgently intervene to prevent a total breakdown of industrial harmony at the nation’s busiest aviation cargo hub
