If you work around the cargo sheds at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, getting in is about to change. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says only registered, verified and authorised people, businesses and vehicles will be allowed into designated areas of the Pilgrims and Cargo Terminal, with biometric checks at the door and cameras reading number plates at the gate.
At the same time, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), one of the main ground handlers at the airport, has added new screening machines and handling equipment. Together, these changes affect cargo agents, freight forwarders, ground-handling and airline staff, couriers and truck drivers, and any importer or exporter whose goods move by air through Lagos.
Here is what has been announced, what is still unclear, and what to do now so your cargo does not get stuck at the gate.
What FAAN has announced
In early October 2026, FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, led by its Director, Lekan Thomas, briefed the government agencies that work at the terminal on new access-control measures, as reported by Tribune Online and ThisDay. The agencies include the Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, NAFDAC, the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, Police EOD, DSS, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Federal Produce Inspection Service.
The plan has several parts:
- One registry as the reference. FAAN’s Integrated Cargo Stakeholders Registry (ICSR) will be the main list used to verify who is a genuine cargo operator.
- Biometric checks. Facial recognition, fingerprint verification and electronic access records will be introduced for people entering controlled areas.
- Vehicle tracking. In phase one, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and boom barriers go on two of the four lanes at Gate One, backed by CCTV.
- More screening. An X-ray scanner for baggage and parcels is also expected at the terminal.
FAAN says the aim is not to restrict legitimate cargo business but to stop unauthorised access, improve accountability and cut down unnecessary movement of people and vehicles inside the terminal. It has asked all stakeholders to complete registration and documentation before full enforcement. As of 20 October, we have not seen a published date for full enforcement, so treat it as coming soon rather than months away.
What the cargo registry is
The registry is not brand new. In May 2025, the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) told airlines, ground handlers, freight forwarders and courier firms to register on what was then called the Integrated Air Cargo Stakeholders Registry, with a pilot starting at MMIA, according to ATQ News. CRFFN described three stages:
- Data capture: operators submit current details about themselves and their businesses.
- Data validation: those details are checked.
- Biometric enrolment: people who pass validation are enrolled for biometric identification by FAAN.
In March 2026, FAAN held a session at the MMIA Terminal Two conference room to walk freight forwarders, cargo agents, airlines, ground handlers, couriers and truckers through the documents needed for the registry, as reported by Daily Economy. FAAN described the registry as “a centralised and verified database of legitimate operators across the cargo value chain at FAAN airports”, and Tribune reported that it urged timely compliance to avoid disruption once the system is fully running.
In plain terms: if your company or your staff are not in the registry when the biometric gates go live, expect to be turned back.
Other changes at the terminal
The access rules are part of a wider clean-up. In September, FAAN told customs-licensed agents that it was introducing a truck call-up system, designated parking for cargo trucks, better access control and more warehouse space, and that the Palace Gate (the airport’s second gate) would be opened to ease traffic at the terminal, Lagos Metropolitan reported. Agents at that meeting complained that they received fewer toll-gate stickers than they asked for and wanted more car-park space, and FAAN promised to look into it.
On the handling side, SAHCO used its Cargo Stakeholders Forum in Ikeja to announce a dual-view X-ray machine, an Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) system, a 16-tonne forklift for heavy and oversized consignments, better cold-chain handling for pharmaceuticals and perishables, and a larger cargo build-up area, according to Tribune Online and BusinessDay. SAHCO stressed that screening results can lead to further examination where needed.
What it means for different people
Cargo agents and freight forwarders. Your firm, and every staff member who goes into the sheds, needs to be on the registry. Field staff who share passes or rely on “I know the gateman” access are most at risk. Have company documents, staff IDs and current contact details ready for capture and validation.
Ground-handling and airline staff. Expect fingerprint and face checks at controlled points and electronic records of when you enter. Keep your work ID valid and report any errors in your registry details early, because a mismatch could lock you out on a busy shift.
Truck drivers and couriers. With plate-reading cameras and boom barriers at Gate One, the vehicle matters as much as the driver. Make sure the truck or van you use is the one registered, follow the call-up and parking arrangements, and do not hand trips to unregistered vehicles at the last minute.
Importers and exporters. You may never enter the terminal yourself, but your agent does. Before your next air shipment, ask your agent or forwarder whether their company and field staff are fully registered. On the export side, stricter screening means your cargo must match its documents. Declare contents honestly, pack so goods can be X-rayed, and flag dangerous goods, batteries and perfumes properly, or expect delays and re-examination.
Students and job seekers. Air cargo terminals are becoming more digital and security-focused. Skills in cargo security, dangerous goods handling and cold-chain operations are worth building if you want a career at the airport.
A quick checklist
- Confirm your company is on FAAN’s Integrated Cargo Stakeholders Registry, and ask FAAN’s cargo directorate at MMIA what is still outstanding if you are unsure.
- List every staff member and vehicle that needs access and make sure each one is captured and validated.
- Keep copies of registration records, staff IDs and vehicle papers where field staff can show them.
- Watch for FAAN notices on the enforcement date and any new gate or call-up procedures.
- Build a little extra time into urgent air shipments while the new gates and screening settle in.
- Ask your forwarder to confirm their registration before you hand over cargo.
How Septmax can help
Our office is on the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road in Lagos, and we handle air freight, customs clearance and door-to-door delivery for importers, exporters and individuals. If you want air cargo moved through Lagos without surprises at the gate, get in touch with Septmax at logistics@septmax.com or +234-707-476-0270 for a quote or a quick chat about your next shipment.
