FRI AUG 28 2026-theGBJournal| The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) for the implementation of the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework in Nigeria.
The agreement is aimed at strengthening aviation security and enhancing the integrity of Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain, with implementation initially focusing on inbound air cargo while providing a structured basis for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.
In practical terms, the system is designed to give Nigerian authorities advance information about air cargo before it leaves its country of origin.
Rather than waiting for potentially risky shipments to arrive at a Nigerian airport before assessing them, authorities will be able to analyse cargo information in advance and identify shipments that may require additional scrutiny.
For legitimate cargo operators and importers, the system could also support more efficient processing by allowing relevant authorities to have better visibility of shipments before they arrive.
The initiative is therefore expected to improve security while potentially reducing delays and strengthening transparency across Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the development as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture and build a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
He stressed that the signing was beyond merely reaching an agreement, noting that it marked the beginning of the actual work.
Capt. Najomo urged the partners not to let their guard down but to follow the agreed processes properly, assuring them that any ambiguity arising during implementation could always be brought back for discussion.
The next stage will involve deploying the technology, bringing relevant stakeholders on to the platform and assessing how the system works in practice.
Mr Peter Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS), said the project had taken about nine to ten months, or even longer, to reach the signing stage.
He assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to delivering successfully, adding that they would not let the Authority down.
He expressed gratitude to the DGCA, directors and the entire NCAA team for the opportunity to prove themselves, serve the Authority and contribute to the development of the country.
The Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate and necessary to preserve the integrity of the arrangement and protect the Authority’s interests.
She described the initiative as a quantum leap for Nigeria, noting that the country was taking a significant step in a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation.
She added that while the MoU might not be a perfect document, it provided a good starting point and remained a living document that could be amended as implementation progressed.
The introduction of PLACI gives Nigeria an opportunity to shift towards a more preventive approach to air cargo security.
By receiving and assessing cargo information before loading, authorities can potentially identify suspicious or high-risk consignments earlier, while legitimate shipments can move through the system with greater predictability.
The framework could also improve coordination between aviation, customs, security and other agencies involved in the movement of cargo, while strengthening Nigeria’s alignment with international air cargo security practices.
The ceremony featured the official signing of the MoU and a group photograph, with all parties expressing commitment to the successful implementation of the framework.
The immediate challenge now is to translate the agreement into a functioning system that can be integrated into the operations of airlines, cargo handlers, freight forwarders, government agencies and other participants in Nigeria’s growing air cargo market.
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