Nigeria has taken a major step toward modernising its aviation and cargo operations with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Advanced Cargo Information ACI Systems with the United Arab Emirates.
The agreement, sealed in Abu Dhabi, is expected to transform Nigeria’s cargo sector, improve national security, and reinforce the country’s position in global trade.
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, led the Nigerian delegation on this strategic mission. The visit was hosted by DALIL UAE at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the UAE Command and Control Center, where officials were given first-hand exposure to world-class aviation security and cargo management solutions powered by ACI Systems.
As part of the engagement, the Nigerian team received in-depth technical briefings from DALIL UAE, a globally recognised leader in aviation technology and ACI systems. Experts demonstrated how advanced cargo information systems enable real-time tracking, early detection of suspicious consignments, and transparent verification of cargo integrity.
The briefings also highlighted the global success of ACI adoption in reducing smuggling, strengthening revenue collection, and simplifying airport processes. Nigerian officials described the sessions as eye-opening, providing a clear understanding of how the country can align with international best practices.
The delegation was later taken on a guided tour of the Advanced Cargo Information and Command Centers in Abu Dhabi. During the tour, the team witnessed how massive volumes of cargo data are processed instantly, with results displayed through risk profiling dashboards and automated monitoring systems.
This experience underscored how ACI Systems drastically reduce delays, improve transparency in revenue assurance, and optimise cargo flow for traders and regulators alike.
The high point of the mission was the formal signing of an MoU between the Federal Government of Nigeria and DALIL UAE. The agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation, technical assistance, and phased deployment of ACI Systems in Nigeria. Feasibility studies are scheduled to commence in October 2025, with a full nationwide rollout expected by the third quarter of 2026. Stakeholders hailed the MoU as a historic breakthrough, one that places Nigeria on the path of a secure, efficient, and digitally advanced cargo future.
Speaking after the signing, Minister Keyamo explained that the adoption of ACI Systems will bring wide-ranging benefits to Nigeria’s aviation sector. He noted that the technology will significantly strengthen aviation security by detecting high-risk cargo before it arrives at Nigerian airports.
He added that the systems will also boost operational efficiency, reduce clearance bottlenecks, and eliminate loopholes that cause unnecessary delays for airlines and shippers. According to him, real-time data collection through ACI platforms will provide the Federal Government with stronger revenue assurance and support efforts to block revenue leakages.
Beyond these gains, the Minister stressed that the technology will make Nigeria a regional leader in aviation digitalisation, enhance trade flows, and position the country as a logistics hub in West Africa. He further pointed out that the agreement ensures Nigeria’s compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) global standards, strengthening confidence among international partners and investors.
With this agreement, Nigeria is set to lead the way in aviation digital transformation in West Africa. Leveraging DALIL UAE’s proven expertise in ACI Systems, the country is building a cargo ecosystem that is more secure, efficient, and globally competitive. This strategic partnership is expected not only to safeguard Nigeria’s skies but also to create opportunities for trade growth, revenue expansion, and enhanced global credibility.
