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, signaling a bold step in regional trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The landmark flag-off ceremony held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from government, aviation, and logistics sectors.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, led the event, with support from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), represented by Ms Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development.
In his keynote address, CGC Adeniyi described the corridor as a strategic enabler of Nigeria’s leadership in continental trade.
“This is more than a ceremonial handover; it is a gateway to new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and proof that we are ready to lead Africa’s economic transformation through trade,” he stated.
The Customs boss revealed that Nigerian exports reached ₦136.65 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 219.5% increase from the previous year. He also noted that Q1 2025 recorded a 349% increase over the same period in 2024.
Adeniyi listed critical enablers driving the new corridor, including the issuance of AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, digitization of export processes, and the creation of AfCFTA-dedicated units across Customs formations nationwide.
He praised the collaboration with other government agencies and development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and urged other African airlines and logistics operators to adopt similar models across land, sea, and rail corridors.
Minister Oduwole described the initiative as a major win for Nigeria’s export diversification drive. “We are not just talking diversification, we are implementing it. Today’s launch signifies a turning point for our exporters, especially with the negotiated 50% freight rate reduction now in effect,” she noted.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic loading of Nigerian export cargo onto a Uganda Airlines flight, marking the operational take-off of the trade route. Uganda Airlines Country Manager, Patrick Ziwa, commended Nigeria for leading the charge in intra-African air cargo innovation.
AfCFTA Certificates of Origin were also issued to a group of compliant Nigerian exporters, granting them access to preferential tariffs in East and Southern African markets.
In her remarks, FAAN representative Ms Agunbiade reiterated the agency’s support for the national export agenda. “FAAN, under the leadership of Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, remained committed to making our airports drivers of economic development,” she said.
The new corridor is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs, open new markets for Nigerian exporters, and enhance the country’s competitiveness under the AfCFTA platform.
