The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has launched the inaugural Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, marking a significant step in enhancing regional trade.
This development represents a major milestone in trade facilitation and continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, and was attended by key government officials and aviation industry stakeholders.
Dignitaries present included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; and Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku.
In his keynote address, Comptroller Adeniyi described the launch as a strategic breakthrough that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and highlights the leadership role of the NCS in implementing AfCFTA.
“This is more than a ceremonial handover; it is a gateway to new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and proof that we are ready to lead Africa’s economic transformation through trade,” he stated.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service facilitated exports valued at ₦136.65 trillion in 2024, representing a 219.5% increase from the previous year.
He added that exports in the first quarter of 2025 experienced a further 349% surge compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring Nigeria’s growing dominance in regional exports.
The CGC revealed that as part of Customs’ commitment to supporting the trade corridor, the Service has introduced several enabling instruments, including the issuance of AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, the digitalisation of export processes, and the establishment of dedicated AfCFTA units across Customs commands.
He commended the inter-agency collaboration that birthed the corridor and called on regional airlines and cargo operators to replicate the model across maritime, road, and rail transport routes.
“This corridor must not stand alone. It is a template for future trade networks connecting seaports, airports, and borders for the prosperity of our people,” he stressed.
The Customs boss expressed gratitude to development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FAAN, and all logistics stakeholders, for their professionalism and support in executing the corridor initiative.
“As we flag off this strategic route, we are flagging off a future of innovation, jobs, technology, and inclusive prosperity for the African continent,” he added.
On her part, Minister Oduwole described the initiative as a practical policy action designed to fast-track Nigeria’s economic diversification through export trade.
“We are not just talking about diversification, we are implementing it. Today’s launch signifies a turning point for our exporters, especially with the negotiated 50% freight rate reduction now in effect,” she said.
She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling up value-added production and expanding market access under the AfCFTA platform.
A key highlight of the event was the symbolic loading and handover of Nigerian export cargo to Uganda Airlines, marking the operational commencement of the air cargo corridor.
The cargo was received by the Country Manager of Uganda Airlines, Mr. Patrick Ziwa, who commended Nigeria’s leadership in pioneering air cargo innovation within the continent.
“This is a strong statement by Nigeria to other African nations that regional trade is not just a vision, it is already in motion,” Ziwa said.
Following the cargo handover, AfCFTA Certificates of Origin were issued to a group of compliant Nigerian exporters, enabling them to access preferential tariff regimes across East and Southern African markets.
In her remarks, Ms. Agunbiade reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment to supporting air cargo efficiency through improved infrastructure and policy alignment.
“FAAN, under the leadership of Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, is fully aligned with the national export strategy and will continue to make our airports drivers of economic development,” she affirmed.
