Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has said the Federal Government is committed to the growth of the air cargo sector in the country.
The minster said the government has taken proactive steps to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it, adding that government has established a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal
Airports Authority of Nigeria[FAAN], recognizing the immense opportunities within the cargo sector.
Speaking at the 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference held in Lagos with the theme: ‘e-Commerce And The Future of Air Cargo in Africa: The Building Blocks’, Keyamo said a vibrant cargo sector offers numerous benefits to our economy adding that with the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, the country’s agricultural export can reach global markets faster, fresher, and more competitively.
READ: Africa: Mc Dan Group CEO, Dr. Daniel McKorley Addresses Challenges in West Africa’s Cargo and Logistics Industry at 4th Aviacargo Conference in Lagos
The minister who was represented by his Special Assistant, Janet Oputa, said a robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product [GDP].
He said: ‘As we convene here today, we are united by a common goal, to unlock the full potential of the air cargo sector in Nigeria and transform our nation into the cargo hub of West Africa. This vision is not just an aspiration but a strategic imperative that will drive economic growth, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
‘Recognizing the immense opportunities within the cargo sector, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has taken proactive steps to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it. To this end, we have established a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria[FAAN]. This directorate is tasked with implementing far-reaching policies and programs that will catalyze the growth of our air cargo industry. These initiatives are designed to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region.
‘A vibrant cargo sector offers numerous benefits to our economy. It is a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening up new markets for Nigerian products. With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, our agricultural export, for example, can reach global markets faster, fresher, and more competitively. Furthermore, a robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to our GDP.’
