May 26, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government on Sunday launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa air cargo route, in a major push to operationalise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expand regional market access for Nigerian businesses.
The initiative, unveiled at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is designed to open up export opportunities for Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those under recognised associations such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA).
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the new route as “a strategic pathway for Nigerian goods to penetrate African markets, especially trade hubs in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, with speed, efficiency, and competitive pricing.”
The move follows the April 2025 gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTCs), which marked the country’s formal readiness to implement AfCFTA protocols and enjoy preferential tariff treatment across the continent.
Developed in partnership with Uganda Airlines and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the new corridor will significantly cut delivery times—from several weeks or months to just days—for goods such as textiles, cosmetics, processed agricultural produce, and leather items.
“This corridor is not just a logistics initiative—it’s a trade enabler built by Africans, for Africans. It offers Nigerian MSMEs a reliable and cost-effective channel to expand across the continent,” the Minister said.
Dr. Oduwole revealed that cargo rates on the route are currently 50% lower than commercial rates and are available only to businesses affiliated with approved umbrella associations.
This model, she said, helps the Ministry track trade flows and ensure the benefits reach genuine enterprises.
She added, “This solution capitalises on Nigeria’s strategic location, our role as AfCFTA Digital Trade Co-Champion, and the resilience of our entrepreneurial community.”
The corridor will initially operate from Abuja and Lagos and is expected to fast-track Nigeria’s ambition to boost value-added exports within Africa.
In addition, the Minister announced plans to roll out an AfCFTA Market Intelligence Tool in partnership with the UNDP, aimed at helping Nigerian exporters navigate complex regulations and tap into emerging trade opportunities in East and Southern Africa.
She thanked the Government of Uganda, Uganda Airlines, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Customs Service, and key private-sector players for supporting the initiative.
Commending the exporters whose goods were onboard the inaugural flights, Oduwole said, “They are not just moving products—they are carrying the hopes, ambition, and resilience of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs.”
“The time for preparation is over. The time for action is now. We urge Nigerian businesses to seize this opportunity, explore new frontiers, and trade continentally with the full backing of the Federal Government,” she added.
AfCFTA, which came into effect in January 2021, is the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, with 54 signatories. It aims to eliminate tariffs on 90% of goods, cut non-tariff barriers, and promote the free movement of people and capital across the continent.
However, intra-African trade still lags at under 15%, compared to 60% in Europe and 40% in Asia, due to poor logistics, inadequate transport infrastructure, and high costs.
Experts say Nigeria’s air cargo corridor is a significant step toward addressing these challenges. The initiative is expected to boost regional value chains, diversify exports, and increase Nigeria’s share of intra-African trade, especially in processed and value-added goods.
The launch drew key figures from Nigeria’s trade and aviation sectors, including Nura Abba Rimi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service; Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, MD/CEO of FAAN; Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria; and Patrick Ziwa, Country Manager, Uganda Airlines, among others.
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