Nigeria Reforms Air Cargo to Boost Non-Oil Exports

The Nigerian government is initiating reforms in the air cargo sector to boost non-oil exports, particularly in agriculture, which has faced significant logistical challenges. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has established a dedicated cargo development directorate, with Festus Keyamo as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development overseeing these changes.

The reforms aim to address inefficiencies that have historically plagued the sector, including a lack of viable pathways for agricultural products like yam, pepper, and mango to reach global markets. A new cargo terminal is set to be commissioned by December 2024 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, with plans to replicate this model nationwide.

The initiative also includes digitization efforts and collaboration with stakeholders to streamline the export process. However, proposed tariff increases have sparked controversy within the industry, raising concerns about potential impacts on cargo charges.