FG, DALIL UAE sign MoU to enhance Nigeria’s aviation sector with advanced security

The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DALIL United Arab Emirates (UAE) to modernise Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sector through advanced security and cargo information solution

The partnership was announced in a statement on Tuesday, signed by Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development.

Moshood said the agreement with DALIL UAE, a globally recognised provider of aviation security and advanced cargo information (ACI) solutions, was sealed during a high-level mission to Abu Dhabi, UAE.

He said the MoU establishes a framework for deploying ACI systems across Nigeria’s airports, covering joint cooperation, technical support, and a phased implementation plan.

The special adviser noted that the first stage will commence in October 2025 with feasibility studies, paving the way for a nationwide rollout by the third quarter of 2026.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Keyamo emphasised the transformational potential of ACI solutions for Nigeria.

“The adoption of Advanced Cargo Information technology is crucial to the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry,” he said.

“This system will not only strengthen aviation security by identifying high-risk cargo before it enters our borders, but it will also enhance efficiency by reducing bottlenecks at cargo terminals, 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.”

Moshood said the Nigerian delegation was hosted at Abu Dhabi International Airport and the UAE’s command and control centre, where they were introduced to cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of global cargo management.

He said DALIL UAE delivered technical briefings and live demonstrations of its ACI systems, which are designed to enhance real-time cargo data management, improve aviation security, and boost government revenue collection.

The special adviser said a key highlight of the tour was the demonstration of how early detection and risk profiling of high-risk cargo can significantly strengthen aviation security while ensuring seamless cargo clearance.

‘NIGERIA ON PATH TO BUILDING SECURE CARGO SYSTEM’

Moshood said the partnership represents Nigeria’s most ambitious step yet in aviation digital transformation, making it the first country in West Africa to embark on large-scale adoption of ACI systems.

By leveraging DALIL UAE’s globally proven expertise, he said Nigeria is charting a new course toward building a secure, efficient, and globally competitive cargo ecosystem that will serve as a model for the African continent.

Keyamo, who led the delegation, was accompanied by Chris Najomo, director general (DG) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Olubunmi Kuku, managing director (MD) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Also included were Olalekan Thomas, FAAN director of cargo development; Albert Igbafe, FAAN director of aviation security; a representative of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); and other senior officials from both Nigeria and the UAE.