The Chairman of the Cargo Account Settlement System, CASS, and Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, says the platform will introduce long-overdue structure and transparency to Nigeria’s Cargo Business, creating an organised value chain that aligns fully with international standards. He explained that the system will mirror the efficiency already achieved in passenger distribution through the Billing Settlement Plan.
Bernard, appointed CASS Chairman December 4th, 2025, said the platform was designed to correct decades of disorder within the country’s cargo business ecosystem. He stressed that the platform’s framework links airlines with accredited cargo agents and removes the informal practices that have limited growth in Nigeria’s Cargo Business. According to him, “The only sense of CASS is to be able to change the business dynamics in the cargo sector, just like we’ve done in the passenger sector.”
He explained that CASS offers recognised settlement procedures, proper billing and seamless reconciliation. He said these functions will provide a transparent flow of funds between airlines and cargo agents, therefore encouraging investment and global confidence. Bernard added that Nigeria’s Cargo Business cannot grow without standards that reflect international expectations.
Transforming Nigeria’s Cargo Business
He described the current situation in some cargo clusters as chaotic and said the lack of structure has discouraged serious operators. “I don’t know if any of you have gone to the Cargo Village… it is an eyesore,” he said. “And trust me, you’re not going to blame them. They just saw a place where they could do business. It’s not organised.” He said the problem is structural rather than behavioural and CASS will enforce the right practices.
Bernard explained that CASS limits direct dealings with airlines to IATA-accredited cargo agents. He said this step will push operators to formalise their activities if they wish to remain relevant in the Cargo Business. According to him, “The process will be that somebody will say: if I want to remain relevant in doing this cargo business, I better register my business. And when A takes that decision, B takes that decision… you’re taking people out of the street and putting them into a structured business.”
He said several airlines have already begun full integration into the Nigerian CASS platform. He explained that while Ghana has operated CASS successfully for over two years, Nigeria’s progress was delayed by operational issues. His election has, however, renewed confidence and created fresh momentum among stakeholders. He said, “More airlines are showing interest because they see what has happened on the BSP.”
Bernard noted that Turkish Airlines will join the system in early 2026. He described the carrier as a major freight player that moves significant volumes into Nigeria each day. “By January, Turkish Airlines is coming fully on board. These are major carriers of cargo going into Nigeria daily,” he said. He added that participation by such airlines lifts the credibility of the platform and deepens its value for Nigeria’s Cargo Business.
He linked the role of CASS to the global reach enjoyed by airlines in the BSP. Bernard said BSP allows a passenger ticket to be issued in any part of the world, and CASS will now extend similar benefits to freight. “Part of the things that Air Peace is enjoying today is because they are members of BSP,” he said. “BSP means somebody sitting in Pakistan can issue an Air Peace ticket.” He added that CASS will allow someone “to sit in Chicago and sell a freight and everything gets cleared out.”
Bernard said this global visibility will expand Nigeria’s participation in international logistics. He explained that faster payment cycles, reduced fraud and clearer documentation will support growth for airlines, agents and exporters. He said these gains will also encourage government agencies to take the cargo business more seriously.
He stressed that CASS will force a renewed focus from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. According to him, “FAAN will see the direction of cargo business immediately and they’ll start to pay attention to it. They’ll say: let’s put our house in order.” He noted that a meeting with the FAAN Managing Director is planned for January or February 2026 to discuss the role of CASS and its value proposition to the Nigerian market.
Bernard also highlighted Finchglow’s role in the new structure. He said his emergence as CASS chairman followed years of work in supporting clients who needed proper cargo solutions. “Our clients kept disturbing us: how do we get our cargo across?” he said. He explained that Finchglow saw the need to support both passengers and cargo, leading to the creation of Finchglow Cargo.
He noted that the company is accredited by both the NCAA and IATA and will expand its operations in 2026 to serve the last leg of its logistics business. He said, “You’re going to be seeing a lot of activities coming from Finchglobal in 2026… to take care of the last part of our business.”
Bernard concluded that CASS will introduce structure, international connection and financial discipline into Nigeria’s Cargo Business. He said, “What we’re trying to do now is bring structure into the cargo business space… to help the business position itself for better growth in the future.”
