By George Ozalla
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 MoU was signed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, as part of measures to strengthen security around air cargo entering the country and improve the integrity of Nigeria’s air cargo supply chain.
The initial phase of the implementation will focus on inbound air cargo, with the agreement also providing the basis for deployment of the required technology, onboarding of relevant stakeholders and assessment of the system as operations progress.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important step in the Authority’s efforts to strengthen aviation security and develop an air cargo system that meets international standards.
Najomo, however, stressed that the signing of the MoU was not the end of the process but the beginning of the actual work.
He urged the parties involved in the implementation to remain attentive to the agreed procedures and ensure that the processes were properly followed.
According to him, the partners should not let their guard down during implementation, while any area of uncertainty that might arise could be brought back to the parties for discussion and clarification.
Representing Firstway FZE and Global Software & Digital Solution, Mr Peter Igbinedion said the project had been in the works for about nine to 10 months, or possibly longer, before the parties reached the stage of signing the agreement.
Igbinedion assured the NCAA that the companies were ready to commence the work and committed to delivering the project successfully.
He said the companies would not disappoint the Authority, expressing appreciation to Najomo, the directors and other members of the NCAA team for giving them the opportunity to work on the project.
He also said the companies were grateful for the opportunity to serve the Authority and contribute to the development of Nigeria through the project.
The Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary of the NCAA, Mary Tufano-Eche, explained that the considerable time spent before the signing was intentional.
She said the process was necessary to ensure that the arrangement maintained its integrity and that the interests of the Authority were adequately protected.
Tufano-Eche described the PLACI initiative as a quantum leap for Nigeria, noting that the country was entering a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation.
She acknowledged that the MoU might not be a perfect document but said it provided a sound starting point for the project.
According to her, the agreement should be regarded as a living document, capable of being amended where necessary as implementation progresses and issues requiring adjustment emerge.
The signing ceremony was attended by officials of the NCAA and representatives of Firstway FZE and GSDS. The event included the formal execution of the MoU and a group photograph, while the parties expressed their commitment to working together towards its successful implementation.
