The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DALIL UAE on deploying Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) systems across Nigerian airports.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who signed on behalf of the Federal Government, described the agreement as a bold step towards repositioning Nigeria as a leading aviation and logistics hub in Africa.

Keyamo stated that the implementation of the MoU will commence with feasibility studies in October 2025, followed by a nationwide rollout in the third quarter of 2026.

The Minister, in a statement on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the ministry, Odutayo Oluseyi, said the ACI will strengthen aviation security through early detection of high-risk cargo.

He added that it would reduce clearance bottlenecks, streamline cargo processing, improve efficiency, enhance government revenue assurance via real-time data capture, facilitate international trade, and boost Nigeria’s position as a regional logistics hub.

Keyamo emphasized that the partnership with DALIL UAE goes beyond technology transfer, as it seeks to entrench resilience, efficiency, and competitiveness in Nigeria’s aviation value chain.

He stated, “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.

“The adoption of ACI technology is crucial to the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry. This system will not only strengthen aviation security by identifying high-risk cargo before it enters our borders, but it will also enhance efficiency by reducing bottlenecks at cargo terminals, improve transparency, and ensure real-time revenue assurance. Beyond these, it will position Nigeria as a competitive regional logistics hub in line with ICAO and WCO global standards.

He further assured that the federal government will continue to provide the enabling policy environment necessary for the smooth implementation and sustainability of the project.

“With this development, Nigeria joins a select group of nations deploying advanced cargo intelligence solutions to enhance safety, boost efficiency, and support global trade”. (The Nation)