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, with the initial phase focusing on inbound air cargo.
The implementation will also provide a structured framework for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment as Nigeria moves towards a more robust and internationally compliant air cargo security system.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement 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.
Najomo stressed that the signing was not merely about reaching an agreement, but marked the commencement of the actual implementation process.
He urged the partners to remain committed to the agreed processes and cautioned against lowering their guard during implementation.
According to him, any ambiguity or challenges that may arise in the course of implementation could be brought back to the relevant stakeholders for discussion and resolution.
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.
He assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to delivering the project successfully, promising that they would not disappoint the Authority.
Igbinedion expressed appreciation to the DGCA, directors and the entire NCAA team for providing the companies with the opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities, serve the Authority and contribute to national development.
Also speaking, the Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, explained that the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate and necessary to protect the integrity of the arrangement and safeguard the interests of the Authority.
She described the initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, stressing that the country was taking a significant step in an emerging area of air cargo security implementation.
Tufano-Eche acknowledged that the MoU might not be a perfect document but said it provided a solid starting point for the project.
She added that the agreement remained a “living document” that could be reviewed and amended as implementation progressed and new requirements emerged.
The ceremony culminated in the official signing of the MoU and a group photograph, with the NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS reaffirming their commitment to the successful implementation of the PLACI framework in Nigeria.
