Customs, FMITI Launch Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor

Customs, FMITI Launch Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor

…Target 50% Reduction in Export Freight Rates under AfCFTA Framework

In a landmark move to bolster intra-African trade and accelerate Nigeria’s export drive, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has officially launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor.

The corridor was flagged off on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in a high-level ceremony attended by top government officials and aviation stakeholders. The initiative is a significant step under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aimed at unlocking trade potential between Nigeria and countries in East and Southern Africa.

Key dignitaries at the event included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi; and Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ms. Adebola Agunbiade, who represented FAAN’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.

Delivering the keynote address, CGC Adewale Adeniyi described the launch as a strategic breakthrough aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized Customs' pivotal role in AfCFTA implementation and its commitment to economic transformation through trade.

“This is not merely a ceremonial launch—it is a gateway to new opportunities for Nigerian exporters and a demonstration of our readiness to lead Africa’s trade agenda,” he stated.

Adeniyi revealed that Nigeria’s non-oil export performance has surged dramatically, with exports valued at ₦136.65 trillion recorded in 2024—a 219.5% increase from the previous year. He added that first-quarter 2025 exports grew by 349% compared to the same period in 2024.

As part of efforts to sustain this momentum, the Customs boss disclosed several trade facilitation measures, including the issuance of AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, digitalization of export documentation, and the establishment of dedicated AfCFTA units in Customs commands across the country.

Calling for wider adoption of the corridor model, he urged other African nations and logistics operators to replicate the approach across maritime, rail, and road networks.

“This air corridor is a template for future multimodal trade networks connecting ports, borders, and markets. It must be expanded for the prosperity of our continent,” Adeniyi said.

He also acknowledged the role of development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FAAN, and other logistics players in actualizing the corridor.

In her remarks, Hon. Minister Jumoke Oduwole hailed the initiative as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to economic diversification.

“We are not just speaking about diversification—we are delivering it. The 50% reduction in freight rates secured for this corridor marks a new era for Nigerian exporters,” she said.

Oduwole added that the Ministry would continue to support businesses in accessing value-added markets across Africa under the AfCFTA framework.

The event’s climax featured the symbolic handover of Nigerian export cargo to Uganda Airlines, marking the operational kickoff of the trade route. Uganda Airlines’ Country Manager, Patrick Ziwa, praised Nigeria’s leadership in advancing regional air cargo logistics.

“This is a strong statement by Nigeria to the rest of Africa—regional trade is no longer a dream, it is happening now,” Ziwa noted.

Certificates of Origin were also presented to a number of compliant Nigerian exporters, granting them access to preferential tariffs in East and Southern African markets.

Speaking on behalf of FAAN, Ms. Adebola Agunbiade reiterated the Authority’s support for national export strategies.

“FAAN remains committed to aligning our airport infrastructure and policies with the government’s drive for export-led growth,” she said.

With the successful flag-off of the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, stakeholders are optimistic that the initiative will catalyze cross-border trade, enhance economic ties, and position Nigeria as a continental trade leader under AfCFTA.