The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a renewed drive to transform the country into Africa’s leading air cargo hub, unveiling an ambitious collaboration agenda during a major stakeholder engagement session on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, FAAN Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented by the Director Special Duties, Mrs. Obiageli B. Orah, said the country is ready to become the vibrant core of the continent’s cargo network — a strategic gateway linking high-value goods, pharmaceuticals and fresh produce to global markets. She described this as not a distant aspiration, but a future already being built through decisive reforms and partnerships.
Welcoming industry operators, government partners, and members of the press, Kuku said the session, themed “Building a World-Class Air Cargo Ecosystem for Nigeria,” reflects FAAN’s commitment to repositioning cargo operations as a major driver of national economic growth. She noted that Nigeria has vast untapped potential in agriculture, manufacturing and e-commerce, all sectors that depend heavily on efficient cargo systems.
Kuku acknowledged that the industry has long operated below its potential, held back by inadequate facilities, delays and missed opportunities. She said the session marks a clear departure from old transactional relationships to a new era of genuine collaboration, where the expertise and ideas of stakeholders are central to shaping solutions. She stressed that their insights, challenges and innovations are crucial to building the cargo ecosystem the country needs.
She reaffirmed FAAN’s commitment, under the guidance of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, to create the enabling environment through supportive policies, upgraded infrastructure and strong political backing. According to her, Nigeria is committed to becoming a dominant hub, a beacon of efficiency and a catalyst for regional economic prosperity.
Kuku emphasised that the government cannot drive this transformation alone and called for full partnership from the private sector. She urged stakeholders to take the opportunity to present their ideas on issues ranging from automation and documentation to export readiness, safety and service quality. Each bottleneck, she noted, represents a chance to elevate standards and accelerate progress.
She encouraged participants to collaborate, innovate and help co-design the systems that will make cargo flow seamless in and out of the country. She expressed confidence that Nigeria can take its rightful place as the air cargo powerhouse of West and Central Africa.
Kuku thanked attendees for their commitment, saying their contributions would form the foundation of forthcoming policies, investments and innovations. She described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s air cargo industry — one focused on building systems not just for today, but for generations to come.
She concluded by reaffirming FAAN’s dedication to delivering a cargo ecosystem that is secure, competitive, profitable and efficient, one that supports farmers, manufacturers, exporters, courier services and pharmaceutical handlers. With sustained partnership and shared purpose, she said, Nigeria will not only participate in African trade, but lead it, establishing the hallmark of cargo excellence the nation deserves.
