FG Inaugurates Air Cargo Corridor to Enhance Regional Trade Connectivity in Africa

.As initiative seeks to cut logistics Cost by 50%

.CGC Adeniyi highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration for successful operationalization of the corridor

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of effort to enhance Regional Trade Connectivity in Africa, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, has officially inaugurated the Nigeria- East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Route on Sunday 25 May 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The initiative, which is in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Airlines, seeks to cut logistics costs by 50-70% and boost intra-Africa trade efficiency between Nigeria and East/Southern Africa.

In his keynote address, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration for successful operationalization of the corridor, stating, “The Success of the flag- off requires collaboration beyond Nigeria Customs Service. It will require the assistance of all agencies that are involved, seeing it as a window opportunity to facilitate trade”.

He urged all shipping companies, operators in the maritime industry to key into the initiative to give real meaning to African trade.

“The success of cargo trade depends on comprehensive framework, reliable and efficient cost effective logistics service across all various transport mode and I hope all our operators will key into that,” he said.

The CGC also commended the minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, for her doggedness and resilience in achieving this milestone.

UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah; Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; The Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi MFR; Director Commercial $ Business Development, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), Ms. Adebola Agunbiade at the Launch

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi, acknowledged that the inauguration serve as a significant milestone in transforming Nigeria’s regional connectivity and enhancing its competitiveness positioning within the global economy.

He underscored the importance of the initiative as it embodies the commitment to leveraging structural framework provided by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fosters seamless logistics and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Ambassador Rimi noted that it act as a catalyst for cross border trade collaboration which reinforce the commitment to economic integration and sustainable development.

He emphasised that the active engagement of pivotal Stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), United Nations Development Program, (UNDP), highlights the collaborative synergies necessary for the successful operationalisation of this corridor.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, it is critical that we adopt a comprehensive approach to monitor the impact of this initiative through a robust data analytics and rigorous policy assessment. This will ensure that our strategies align with the international regulatory standards and foster sustainable growth within the industry,” he stated.

UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah said the launch depicts Unlocking New Era of African Commerce. “This corridor is more than a cargo e- motion, it is a movement, a bridge connecting Nigeria to East/Southern Africa. A signal that Africa is no longer waiting to be invited to global trade tables, we are building our own,” She said.

She posited that the flag-off will directly address the gap in low intra-African trade, which currently stands at 20%, despite the AfCFTA’s aim to create a vast free trade area.

“This corridor will release the burden that has long held the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) back from trading across the continent by cutting delivery time and cost,” She added.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole in her remarks, noted that the corridor offers a 50-70% discount in logistics cost including regulatory charges.

“This initiative marks the fulfilment of a key campaign promise by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent.“Specifically designed to empower Nigerian enterprises, particularly Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

“This initiative enables them to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risk,” she said.

This development is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy and regional trade connectivity, fostering greater economic integration and cooperation within Africa.