Nigeria ramps up air cargo reforms to boost non-oil exports
Nigeria is making a strong push to expand non-oil exports by reforming its air cargo sector. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched new initiatives and infrastructure to address longstanding bottlenecks in agricultural exports. Key figures like Festus Keyamo and Lekan Thomas are leading these changes, aiming to make Nigeria a regional export hub. Recent developments include new cargo terminals, digital reforms, and efforts to improve revenue collection and stakeholder collaboration.
TLDR
- The Cargo Development Directorate was created in December 2024 by Festus Keyamo to drive air cargo reforms and support non-oil exports.
- In May 2025, FAAN commissioned a dedicated domestic cargo terminal at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos to enhance export logistics.
- A new tariff structure was introduced, raising cargo charges from N7 to N25 per kilogram, but after protests, a compromise of N15 per kg was reached.
- Experts stress the need for digital reforms, cold chain solutions, and better coordination among agencies to reduce spoilage and streamline exports.
- Despite progress, challenges like high operational costs, exchange rate instability, and the need for transparent cargo statistics remain.
