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 enhancing the integrity of the country’s air cargo supply chain.
The implementation will initially focus on inbound air cargo, providing a structured framework for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.
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 develop a safer, more secure and internationally compliant air cargo system.
Najomo stressed that the signing went beyond the formal conclusion of an agreement, saying it marked the commencement of the actual implementation process.
He urged the project 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 Authority and addressed through further discussions.
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 delivering the project successfully, adding that they would not disappoint the Authority.
He expressed appreciation to the DGCA, directors and the entire NCAA team for providing the companies with the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity, serve the Authority and contribute to national development.
Also speaking, the Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said 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.
Tufano-Eche described the initiative as a “quantum leap” for Nigeria, noting that the country was venturing into a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation.
She acknowledged that the MoU might not be perfect at its present stage but described it as a good starting point, stressing that it remained a living document that could be amended as implementation progressed.
The NCAA, Firstway FZE and GSDS reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the PLACI framework in Nigeria.
