Nigeria facilitates cargo corridor to boost African trade

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, and Uganda Airlines, have inaugurated the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor with 50 per cent discount.

The Minister, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, at the inauguration and marking of the African Day in Abuja on Sunday, said it’s a transformative export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, framework.

Oduwole said the new air cargo corridor would provide Nigerian exporters with access to three key African hubs, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.

She added that the air cargo rates are discounted between 50 to 75 per cent 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.

The Minister said the preferential cargo rates would apply to businesses affiliated with leading national business associations.

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According to her, this includes Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, among others.

“This will also ensure inclusive participation and coordinated implementation,” she said.

Oduwole said the milestone followed the President’s approval and the gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April.

“With support from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Ministry has worked to position Nigeria not just as a participant in AfCFTA, but as a leader in shaping and advancing the agreement’s implementation.

“Operating from Lagos and Abuja, the corridor is backed by strong government collaboration,” she said.

Oduwole expressed appreciation to the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Aviation, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

She disclosed that they facilitated the success of the inauguration.

Oduwole noted that the inaugural cargo shipment featured a diverse basket of Made-in-Nigeria products, including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods.

The Minister said that the efforts marked the beginning of a new era for Nigerian exports into African markets.

According to her, all exporters on the historic flight were women-owned businesses.

“These female entrepreneurs were recognised as pioneers, leading the charge in positioning Nigerian enterprises at the forefront of intra-African trade.

“AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets.

“As we mark Africa Day, I want to especially commend and thank the indefatigable Nigerian businesses participating in this inaugural flight.

“This Administration will continue to stand with you as you take even bigger and bolder leaps to expand Nigeria’s footprint across the continent,” she said.

NAN