How to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks in air cargo, ANCLA Chairman

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How to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks in air cargo, ANCLA Chairman 





Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Murtala Mohammed Airport Cargo Chapter, Mr. Tope Akindele, has advocated for a structured multi-stakeholder collaboration framework, operational transparency, and accurate cargo data sharing to eliminate supply chain bottlenecks and drive sustainable economic growth


​Speaking at a SAHCO's cargo stakeholder forum held at the Marriott Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Akindele emphasized that while financial performance in cargo handling reflects significant economic contributions, operational success can only be truly measured by combining revenue metrics with exact cargo volume data, lower clearance dwell times, and efficient service delivery.


​Underscoring the critical role of cargo operations in international trade and national revenue generation, Akindele pointed to public financial figures showing that ground-handling giant SAHCO PLC generated approximately ₦44.46 billion in total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025. Out of this sum, import cargo handling accounted for about ₦10.44 billion, while export handling contributed roughly ₦2.20 billion, bringing combined cargo-handling revenue to ₦12.64 billion.


​Akindele stated during his address that these figures illustrate the huge economic importance of cargo operations and the need for a more efficient, transparent, and collaborative handling environment.


However, he stressed that revenue figures alone do not tell the total tonnage of imports and exports processed, noting that a complete assessment must consider both cargo volumes and the revenue generated from handling those goods. 


He urged handling companies to make comprehensive performance statistics, including annual tonnage, cargo dwell times, tariffs, and service standards, accessible to stakeholders to foster informed dialogue and strategic planning.


​Addressing representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Skyway Aviation Handling Company, airline operators, freight forwarders, and importers, Akindele stressed that no single entity in the supply chain can operate in isolation. 


He noted that weak collaboration inevitably triggers cargo delays, inflated operational expenses, terminal congestion, duplicated processes, and friction over handling tariffs. Conversely, effective synergy drives security, cost control, trade facilitation, and global competitiveness, adding that the collective objective should be to create an environment where goods move safely, efficiently, transparently, and at reasonable cost while every party fulfills their lawful responsibilities.


​To move beyond policy discussions into actionable results, the ANLCA chapter leader proposed a series of practical operational measures for aviation industry stakeholders.


These include establishing a regular stakeholder consultation forum, creating a joint operational problem-solving mechanism to address clearance bottlenecks, promoting transparency in handling charges, improving digital integration and information sharing, adopting measurable service standards, strengthening terminal security, and actively facilitating Nigerian export development.


​Akindele reaffirmed the commitment of licensed customs brokers to legal compliance, accurate documentation, and ethical standards, while calling on government agencies and handling firms to maintain reciprocal efficiency and accountability. 


He urged industry leadership to view professional bodies such as ANLCA not merely as pressure groups, but as strategic partners in policy formulation, capacity building, peaceful dispute resolution, and overall trade expansion.


​Differences of opinion are natural in a complex industry, Akindele concluded, but what matters is the collective willingness to negotiate fairly, respect lawful procedures, and seek solutions that advance the national interest, ensuring that cargo moves faster, businesses remain competitive, and the nation reaps the full economic benefits.

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