In a historic move to deepen regional trade integration and scale up Nigeria’s non-oil exports, the Federal Government has launched a strategic intra-African air cargo corridor with discounted logistics rates of up to 75 per cent. This initiative, unveiled on Africa Day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is part of Nigeria’s broader commitment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, established through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Uganda Airlines, will offer Nigerian exporters direct air cargo access to key African markets—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized the corridor’s significance as a key campaign promise by President Bola Tinubu to diversify Nigeria’s export economy beyond oil. She disclosed that Nigerian businesses can now access intra-African markets at logistics rates discounted between 50 to 75 per cent, significantly easing the cost burdens that have long hindered export growth.
“This is a landmark achievement for Nigeria under the AfCFTA. The launch of this air cargo corridor is not just a logistical intervention—it is an economic lifeline for thousands of small and medium enterprises eager to access new markets,” Oduwole stated.
A distinctive feature of this initiative is its focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Exporters affiliated with key business associations—including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NASME), Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Women Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture—will benefit from the discounted rates.
Oduwole revealed that the inaugural shipment on Sunday was comprised entirely of women-owned businesses, showcasing Made-in-Nigeria products such as textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods. “Today, we celebrate Nigerian women as pioneers of this movement. Their participation proves that when given the tools and opportunity, Nigerian businesses can compete and thrive across the continent,” she said.
The corridor, which will operate from both Lagos and Abuja, is backed by multiple government agencies including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Aviation, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Their support, the minister noted, was critical in ensuring a seamless regulatory and operational launch.
This follows the April 2025 approval and gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions under the AfCFTA, paving the way for Nigerian products to benefit from lower tariffs across the continent.
Dr. Oduwole also acknowledged the technical and financial support from the UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa, which has played a central role in helping Nigeria shape and lead AfCFTA implementation efforts.
With intra-African trade currently accounting for less than 20% of total African trade, initiatives like the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor aim to significantly improve connectivity, reduce trade costs, and stimulate the flow of goods between African nations.
Experts note that Nigeria’s ability to competitively position its MSMEs within the AfCFTA framework could transform its export narrative, especially with the right policy incentives and infrastructure.
“This Administration will continue to support Nigerian exporters as they take bigger and bolder steps to expand across Africa,” the minister assured.
The successful launch signals the beginning of a long-term strategy to embed Nigeria at the heart of Africa’s single market. With strong institutional backing, lowered logistics costs, and inclusive participation, the air corridor is poised to become a critical infrastructure for accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth and regional trade leadership.