Nigeria Launches Air Cargo Corridor To Boost Trade With East And Southern Africa.
In a significant step towards enhancing intra-African trade, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor. The initiative, inaugurated on Sunday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, aims to slash logistics costs by 50% and streamline trade between Nigeria and key markets in East and Southern Africa. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in partnership with Uganda Airlines, the corridor aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives to boost regional economic integration.
The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration for the initiative’s success. “This corridor is a game-changer for Nigerian exporters, but its success hinges on the cooperation of all relevant agencies and stakeholders,” Adeniyi said. He urged shipping firms and maritime operators to embrace the opportunity to unlock Africa’s trade potential.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted the corridor’s role in advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda. “By reducing cargo transport costs by 50%, we are empowering Nigerian businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to compete more effectively in African markets,” she stated. The initiative is expected to enhance export competitiveness, particularly for non-oil products, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the launch as a milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s regional connectivity and global market competitiveness. He noted that the corridor would address longstanding barriers such as high delivery costs and delays, which have hindered intra-African trade, currently at just 20% of the continent’s total trade volume.
Posts on X reflected widespread enthusiasm for the initiative, with users praising the cost reductions and potential for economic growth. One user noted, “Exporters are smiling as logistics costs have been cut by up to 75% in some cases, opening doors to markets in Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.” However, some cautioned that sustained investment in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks is essential to maintain momentum.
The corridor, operated in collaboration with Uganda Airlines, will facilitate faster and more cost-effective transport of goods to over 20 destinations, including Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and other East and Southern African nations. It builds on existing air freight networks, such as those operated by Astral Aviation and Suid Cargo Airlines, which promote exports and transit shipments across the region.
This development is seen as a critical step towards achieving the AfCFTA’s goal of increasing intra-African trade, fostering economic growth, and enhancing connectivity across the continent. As Nigeria positions itself as a trade hub, the air cargo corridor is expected to drive job creation, support MSMEs, and strengthen supply chain efficiency, paving the way for a more integrated African economy.
