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, signed on Thursday, August 27, 2026, is aimed at strengthening aviation security and improving the integrity of the country’s air cargo supply chain.
The initial phase of the implementation will focus on inbound air cargo and is expected to provide a structured framework for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, described the agreement as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation security architecture and develop a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
Najomo said the signing marked the beginning of the actual implementation of the project rather than the conclusion of the process.
He urged the partners to adhere strictly to the agreed procedures, stressing that any ambiguity that might arise during implementation could be brought back to the relevant parties for discussion and resolution.
Representing Firstway FZE and GSDS, Mr Peter Igbinedion said the project had taken about nine to 10 months, or even longer, to reach the signing stage.
He assured the NCAA of the companies’ commitment to the successful implementation of the project, saying they were ready to deliver on their responsibilities.
Igbinedion expressed appreciation to the DGCA, directors and other members of the NCAA team for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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 safeguard the integrity of the agreement and protect the interests of the Authority.
She 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.
Tufano-Eche acknowledged that the MoU might not be perfect at the initial stage but said it provided a strong foundation for the project.
According to her, the agreement remains a living document that can be reviewed and amended as implementation progresses.
The ceremony ended with the formal signing of the MoU and a group photograph, as the NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the PLACI framework in Nigeria.
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