Nigeria Advances Air Cargo Security as NCAA Moves to Implement PLACI Framework

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS) to implement the Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI) framework in Nigeria.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, 27 August 2026, is expected to strengthen aviation security and improve the integrity of Nigeria's air cargo supply chain.

Implementation will initially focus on inbound air cargo and provide a framework for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important step towards strengthening Nigeria's aviation security architecture and developing a safer and more internationally compliant air cargo system.

Najomo said the signing represented the beginning of the implementation process rather than its conclusion. He urged the partners to follow the agreed procedures and bring any issues or ambiguities that emerge during implementation back to the Authority for discussion.

Speaking on behalf of Firstway FZE and GSDS, Peter Igbinedion said the project had taken about nine to ten months to reach the agreement stage. He assured the NCAA of the companies' commitment to delivering the project successfully.

NCAA Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the lengthy process preceding the signing was necessary to protect the Authority's interests and preserve the integrity of the agreement.

She described the initiative as a significant step for Nigeria in a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation. Tufano-Eche added that the MoU would remain a living document that could be amended as implementation progresses.

The PLACI framework uses advance information about air cargo shipments to support security risk assessment before cargo is loaded onto an aircraft.

The signing ceremony concluded with representatives of the NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS reaffirming their commitment to implementing the framework successfully.