Nigeria is setting sweeping new targets to transform its aviation cargo industry, including a 30% increase in air cargo exports within three years and a 50% reduction in export rejections, as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) intensifies preparations for a world-class cargo ecosystem.
The goals were outlined during a stakeholder engagement session in Lagos, where Dr. Alexander C. Nwuba, President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria and a team lead on the Aviacargo Committee, presented a paper titled “Building a World-class Air Cargo Ecosystem.” The event, held at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja, brought together aviation stakeholders to review Nigeria’s readiness and opportunities in the cargo value chain.
Dr. Nwuba said Nigeria sits at a “pivotal crossroads,” with its strategic location, agricultural strength and expanding manufacturing sector giving it the potential to become Africa’s leading air cargo hub. But to achieve this, he stressed the need for a complete overhaul of existing systems — from infrastructure and regulation to digitalization and environmental sustainability.
He described air cargo as “a catalyst for trade, economic diversification, and global competitiveness,” arguing that an efficient cargo ecosystem could unlock new markets for farmers, boost non-oil exports, attract investment and create thousands of jobs. Yet he identified barriers including infrastructural deficits, policy fragmentation, inefficiencies, limited technology adoption and the need for greater environmental responsibility.
The proposed transformation is anchored on six key pillars:
- Modern, green infrastructure, including cargo villages with cold-chain systems, automated handling and solar-powered facilities, citing Kenya and Ethiopia as examples of successful sustainable upgrades.
- Regulatory reform, featuring a single-window digital clearance platform and a Cargo Bill of Rights.
- Technology and digitalization, with blockchain, barcoding and data analytics for performance and environmental monitoring.
- Human capital development, with global-standard training that includes environmental stewardship.
- Financial incentives, including green financing and public-private partnerships.
- Anti-corruption and transparency, driven by automation and certified sustainable sourcing.
Dr. Nwuba emphasized that FAAN must lead the transformation because airport cargo operations directly generate revenues across the value chain, from landing fees to concession income, positioning airports as major economic engines.
He aligned the cargo reform agenda with national priorities, including economic diversification, non-oil export growth, climate commitments and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). FAAN’s roadmap includes planning and training in the first year, infrastructure and digital implementation in the second, and international certification and expansion to regional airports by the third.
If implemented fully, Nigeria expects to become one of Africa’s top three air cargo hubs, create thousands of new jobs in logistics and green technology, and significantly cut carbon emissions and waste across the cargo chain.
Dr. Nwuba extended appreciation to the FAAN Cargo Directorate, led by DCDS Lekan Thomas, and to the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for providing strategic direction and supporting the initiative.
He described the moment as both “an urgent necessity and a historic opportunity” for Nigeria to build a sustainable, globally competitive air cargo ecosystem.
