The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has 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.
Implementation of the framework will initially focus on inbound air cargo, while establishing a structured basis for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Captain Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture.
Captain Najomo said the initiative would contribute to building a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
He stressed that the signing of the MoU was not merely the conclusion of an agreement but the beginning of the actual implementation process.
“This is not just about signing an agreement; this is the beginning of the actual work,” Najomo said, urging the partners to remain focused and ensure that the agreed processes were properly followed.
The NCAA DG also assured the partners that any ambiguity that might arise during implementation could be brought back for discussion and clarification.
Speaking on behalf of Firstway FZE and GSDS, Mr Peter Igbinedion said the project had taken about nine to 10 months, and possibly longer, to reach the signing stage.
Igbinedion assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to successfully deliver the project.
He expressed appreciation to the DGCA, the directors and the entire NCAA team for providing the companies with the opportunity to contribute to the project and support the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary of the NCAA, Mary Tufano-Eche, explained that the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate.
She said the extended process was necessary to preserve the integrity of the arrangement and protect the interests of the Authority.
Tufano-Eche described the initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, noting that the country was taking a significant step into a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation.
She acknowledged that the MoU might not be perfect at the initial stage but said it provides a strong starting point for implementation.
According to her, the agreement remains a living document that can be amended as implementation progresses and practical issues emerge.
The implementation of the PLACI framework is expected to provide a structured approach to the advance submission and assessment of cargo information before loading, strengthening the ability of relevant authorities to identify and address potential security risks within the air cargo supply chain.
For Nigeria, the initiative represents another step towards strengthening aviation security processes and aligning the country’s air cargo operations with international security expectations.
The signing ceremony featured the formal execution of the MoU and a group photograph, with the NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS reaffirming their commitment to the successful implementation of the framework.
The project will now move from the agreement stage into implementation, with technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment forming part of the initial process.
