Bi-Courtney explains new cargo regulations at MMA2

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has said that the need to bring sanity to cargo operations in the face of rising insecurity in the country, gave rise to the new regime which mandates each cargo operator to pay N150,000 per annum as registration fee.

Steve Omolale-Ajulo, BASL spokesman also said that the company will only recognise and deal with the agents that are registered with them.

“There is the need to bring sanity to cargo operations in and around the airport terminal and that is what is done anywhere in the world. Therefore, MMA2 cannot be an exception.

“It was with this in mind that BASL decided to re-organise its cargo shed by asking the genuine cargo agents to pay N150, 000 each for registration per annum,” he said.

He explained that although a few of them, who said they cannot afford the amount the fee kicked against it, “majority who appreciated the need to bring sanity to cargo operations at the terminal have paid the fee and are already supporting BASL’s efforts.

 “In fact, we have held series of meetings with genuine cargo agents during which we highlighted the benefits of registering them, one of which is to provide conducive offices for them at a highly subsidised rate, among others. 

These agents are enthusiastic about it, hence their willingness to pay.

All the meetings were held under a conducive atmosphere and we agreed to meet again. We are talking, but we must sanitise the place, no going back on this,” he added.

Ajulo explained further that BASL introduced the registration fee in other to know those ‘we are dealing with; to bring sanity to MMA2 Cargo Operations and for security reasons. We cannot operate the place like Oshodi or Mushin motor park.

“As a matter of fact, many of the agents have paid the registration fee. This will enable us monitor what they are sending and trace whatever contraband to whoever sends it. It is partly because of the current security challenge in the country,” he added.

Article accredited: Business day