From Sola Ojo, Abuja
Nigeria has entered into a historic partnership with DALIL UAE, a leading global provider of aviation security and Advanced Cargo Information (ACI) solutions.
This development is expected to transform the country’s aviation and cargo management sector.
The agreement, signed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who headed a high-level Nigerian delegation.
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The technology was designed to strengthen aviation security through early detection and profiling of high-risk cargo, improve efficiency at cargo terminals, and enhance government revenue collection.
During the visit, the Nigerian team toured Abu Dhabi International Airport and the UAE’s Command and Control Centre, where DALIL UAE showcased its cutting-edge ACI systems through technical briefings and live demonstrations.
The MoU outlines a phased implementation of ACI systems across Nigerian airports.
According to the Ministry, feasibility studies are scheduled to begin in October 2025, with a nationwide rollout planned by the third quarter of 2026.
Speaking at the signing, Minister Keyamo described the initiative as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry: “The adoption of Advanced Cargo Information technology is crucial to the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“This system will not only strengthen aviation security by identifying high-risk cargo before it enters our borders, but it will also enhance efficiency, improve transparency, and ensure real-time revenue assurance.
“Beyond these, it will position Nigeria as a competitive regional logistics hub in line with ICAO and WCO global standards,” Keyamo remarked.
If this comes to fruition as promised, Nigeria would be the first West African nation to embrace large-scale deployment of ACI systems, a move expected to set a precedent for the region.
The delegation included top aviation officials such as the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; FAAN Director of Cargo Development, Mr. Olalekan Thomas; FAAN Director of Aviation Security, ASP Albert A. Igbafe (Rtd.); and the Area Controller of Customs, Mr. Awe, representing the Nigerian Customs Service. Senior officials from both Nigeria and the UAE were also present.
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