At the recently concluded 4th Aviacargo Conference in Lagos, the critical role of airlines in the development of air cargo was a major topic of discussion. George Uriesi, COO of Ibom Air, highlighted the role of airlines in the development of air cargo. He emphasized the need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to fully harness the country’s potential in this sector.
The Global Air Transport Industry:
The global air transport industry is a $1 trillion industry, playing a pivotal role as the biggest mover of people and over 35% of the value of goods traded internationally. It stands as the largest enabler of tourism, commerce, sports, and international relations. Despite its vast scale, Africa’s contribution remains modest, accounting for approximately 4% of international passenger traffic and just 2% of international cargo traffic.
In 2022, the top five cargo airports in Africa were:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi: 363,204 tonnes of cargo.
- Cairo International Airport: 333,536 tonnes.
- O. R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg: 304,018 tonnes.
- Addis Ababa Bole International Airport: 226,417 tonnes.
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos: 204,649 tonnes.
What Sets the Top Four Cargo Airports Apart?
The first four airports on this list share several common traits that have significantly contributed to their success in cargo handling:
- They all have strong home base carriers.
- There is close consultation and cooperation with exporters.
- There is close consultation and interaction with airlines.
- They boast excellent cargo storage and processing infrastructure.
- They have efficient and user-friendly cargo handling processes.
Despite lacking many of these critical factors, Lagos remains within the top five cargo airports on the continent. This is largely due to the sheer demand for products and the consistently empty return sectors that have kept Lagos in a favorable position. However, this ranking underscores the immense potential that could be unlocked if the right steps are taken.
READ: Africa: Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Highlights Importance of Insurance in Aviation Cargo Export at 4th Aviacargo Conference in Lagos
Lagos: A Vantage Position with Untapped Potential
Lagos is already strategically positioned to become a major cargo hub in Africa. However, the lack of consultation and cooperation between key stakeholders, such as airports, airlines, handlers, customs, and potential agro-exporters, has left the sector uncoordinated. This disjointed approach means that each party operates independently, with no overarching strategic plan for air cargo development that everyone can align with and benefit from.
READ: Africa: Aviation Minister reiterates Government’s commitment to the growth air cargo sector in Nigeria at Chinet Aviacargo Conference
The absence of a coordinated air cargo development strategy in Nigeria continues to stifle the country’s potential. This strategy should not only define the types of imported cargo to focus on but also strive to develop and build a robust export cargo market, which is currently lacking. Nigerian airlines have little participation in the available cargo market and have minimal input in the development of cargo infrastructure and handling/clearing processes—a situation described as a shame by industry experts. Without addressing these issues, Nigeria will struggle to become a competent competitor in the continental air cargo market.
Towards a Solution: The Aviacargo Roadmap Committee
Despite these challenges, there has been a glimmer of hope with recent efforts to bring interested parties together. The Aviacargo Roadmap Committee, coordinated by Amb. Ikechi Uko, represents the first real attempt to unite the various stakeholders. While many in the industry have observed the committee’s operations with FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) from the sidelines, the committee’s dedication and continued efforts have shown promise.
This initiative has the potential to bridge the critical gaps that have kept Nigeria’s air cargo sector sub-optimal. For it to succeed, however, it requires strong support and encouragement from all parties with an interest in developing a thriving Nigerian air cargo market.
Nigeria has the potential to significantly change the game in the air cargo sector, but it requires the collective will of all stakeholders. When the will to develop and optimize the sector is truly present, the way forward will naturally follow. The Aviacargo Conference in Lagos has highlighted the path to success—now it is up to Nigeria to seize the opportunity and transform its air cargo industry.
