The Federal Government of Nigeria is advancing initiatives to tap into the rapidly growing air cargo, logistics, and allied sectors, projected to reach $12 billion within the next five years.

The targeted value chain includes air export of agricultural produce, e-commerce logistics, and manufactured goods, with several government agencies working collaboratively to boost the sector. These include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC, and relevant state governments.

Speaking in an interview, FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, emphasized the government’s vision of positioning Nigeria as a dominant cargo hub and a strategic gateway connecting Africa to the world.

“This is our commitment: to ensure Nigeria is not just a point on the global cargo map, but the strategic gateway connecting Africa to the world,” Kuku said.

She highlighted the role of the recently created Directorate of Cargo Development Services (DCDS) at FAAN, which has been engaging stakeholders to improve handling, documentation, automation, and export readiness. Kuku also stressed that achieving these goals requires partnership, innovation, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.

“Let’s fix bottlenecks. Let’s upgrade our facilities. Let’s lift service quality. Let’s build systems that make cargo flow seamless in and out of Nigeria,” she added.

Industry Support and Strategic Alignment

Mr. Bode Makanjuola, CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, echoed the importance of a unified national approach. He said Nigeria is at a pivotal moment where policy direction, market demand, and economic priorities align, creating the right conditions to build a world-class cargo ecosystem.

Makanjuola outlined key requirements for success:

• National Coordination: Establishing a single framework involving FAAN, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Customs, airlines, terminal operators, and exporters.
• Full Digitisation: Implementing a national single window integrating electronic airway bills, customs processes, payment systems, and real-time tracking.
• Infrastructure Standardization: Upgrading airport facilities with temperature-controlled storage, automation, and safety systems.
• Dedicated Export Hubs: Consolidating packaging, testing, certification, and documentation under one roof for efficiency.
• Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leveraging private sector expertise to develop cold-chain systems and world-class terminals.
• Capacity Development: Training handlers, inspectors, airline teams, and regulators to operate under shared standards.

Makanjuola stressed that cargo must be treated as a national economic priority, rather than an afterthought, and called for alignment with international best practices through the International Civil Aviation Organization.

He concluded that, with coordinated reforms, Nigeria can lead Africa’s cargo logistics market and unlock its full $12 billion potential by 2030.

“The work ahead is vast, but the potential is greater. With unified purpose and strategic focus, Nigeria can deliver a secure, competitive, and profitable cargo ecosystem that supports farmers, manufacturers, exporters, and the entire trade community,” he said.