The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL UAE for the deployment of Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems across the nation’s airports.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), who signed the agreement on behalf of the Federal Government, described the deal as a bold step towards repositioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading aviation and logistics hub.
According to Keyamo, feasibility studies will begin in October 2025, with a nationwide rollout scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. He noted that the adoption of ACI systems will transform cargo operations by strengthening aviation security, reducing clearance bottlenecks, streamlining cargo processing, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring government revenue assurance through real-time data capture.
“This MoU is not just about technology transfer; it is about building resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Nigeria is now set to leverage cutting-edge innovation to drive security, trade facilitation, and revenue growth,” he stated.
The Minister added that the ACI system will also align Nigeria with global best practices, ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) standards, while boosting the country’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
He further assured that the Federal Government will sustain an enabling policy environment to guarantee the smooth implementation and long-term success of the project.
“With this development, Nigeria joins a select group of nations deploying advanced cargo intelligence solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and global trade,” Keyamo added.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation sector, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, security, and international trade facilitation.
