Capt.Chris Najomo,7th from right on his immediate right is Peter Igbinedion.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday, August 27, 2026, 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 implementation initially focusing on inbound air cargo while providing a structured basis for technology deployment, stakeholder onboarding and operational assessment.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the development 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.

He stressed that the signing was beyond merely reaching an agreement, noting that it marked the beginning of the actual work. Capt. Najomo urged the partners not to let their guard down but to follow the agreed processes properly, assuring them that any ambiguity arising during implementation could always be brought back for discussion.

Mr Peter Igbinedion, who spoke on behalf of Firstway FZE, and Global Software & Digital Solution (GSDS), said the project had taken about nine to ten months, or even longer, to reach the signing stage.

He assured the NCAA of the companies’ readiness and commitment to delivering successfully, adding that they would not let the Authority down.

He expressed gratitude to the DGCA, directors and the entire NCAA team for the opportunity to prove themselves, serve the Authority and contribute to the development of the country.

The Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary, Mary Tufano-Eche, said the lengthy process leading to the signing was deliberate and necessary to preserve the integrity of the arrangement and protect the Authority’s interests.

She described the initiative as a quantum leap for Nigeria, noting that the country was taking a significant step in a relatively new area of air cargo security implementation.

She added that while the MoU might not be a perfect document, it provided a good starting point and remained a living document that could be amended as implementation progressed.

The ceremony featured the official signing of the MoU and a group photograph, with all parties expressing commitment to the successful implementation of the framework.