The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced the implementation of a Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework designed to strengthen security and risk assessment across the country’s air cargo supply chain.
The Authority on Thursday, August 27, 2026, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) to establish the framework, with the initial phase focused on inbound air cargo.
The initiative will enable relevant information on cargo consignments to be assessed before shipments are loaded onto aircraft, providing aviation and security authorities with advance data to identify potential risks and strengthen controls.
According to the NCAA, the agreement provides the foundation for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment as Nigeria moves towards a more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation security architecture, stressing that the signing marked the beginning of the implementation phase rather than the conclusion of the process.
Najomo urged Firstway FZE and GSDS to adhere to the procedures agreed under the MoU, while assuring the partners that any challenges or areas of ambiguity that emerge during implementation could be brought back to the Authority for discussion and resolution.
Representing the two project partners, Peter Igbinedion said the initiative had taken about nine to 10 months, and possibly longer, to reach the agreement stage. He assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to delivering the project successfully.
The NCAA’s Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate and aimed at protecting the Authority’s interests and ensuring the integrity of the arrangement.
She described the initiative as a significant step for Nigeria in an emerging area of air cargo security, noting that although the MoU may evolve during implementation, it provides a foundation that can be amended as new requirements arise.
The PLACI initiative forms part of broader efforts to deploy technology and advance data-driven security measures across Nigeria’s aviation sector. The Nigeria Customs Service is also preparing to deploy cargo scanners at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with scanners already installed at cargo handling facilities and specialised training conducted for Customs officers.
While the PLACI framework is focused on information and risk assessment before cargo is loaded, the scanner deployment is expected to strengthen physical inspection and detection of prohibited or undeclared goods.
Together, the initiatives point to a growing emphasis on using technology and advance information to improve the security and efficiency of Nigeria’s air cargo operations.
The NCAA said all parties remain committed to the successful implementation of the PLACI framework, which is expected to provide aviation and security stakeholders with better visibility of inbound cargo and support more effective risk-based controls.
