The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has launched the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor trade route.
The inaugural event was held on May 25, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the launch as a strategic breakthrough that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Adeniyi noted that the corridor would open up new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and enhance the country’s leadership in AfCFTA implementation.
Adeniyi disclosed that Customs facilitated exports valued at ₦136.65 trillion in 2024, a 219.5% increase from the previous year.
He added that Q1 2025 exports saw a further 349% surge compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring Nigeria’s increasing dominance in regional exports.
The Customs boss revealed that the Service has introduced several enabling instruments to support the trade corridor, including issuing AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, digitalizing export processes, and creating dedicated AfCFTA units across Customs commands.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a practical policy action designed to fast-track Nigeria’s economic diversification through export trade.
She noted that the negotiated 50% freight rate reduction would significantly benefit Nigerian exporters.
The event featured the symbolic loading and handover of Nigerian export cargo to Uganda Airlines, signifying the operationalization of the corridor.
The Country Manager of Uganda Airlines, Patrick Ziwa, commended Nigeria’s leadership in air cargo innovation within Africa.
The Director of Commercial and Business Development at FAAN, Adebola Agunbiade, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to providing infrastructure and policies supporting air cargo efficiency.
She noted that FAAN would continue to support the national export strategy and make airports drivers of economic development.
The launch of the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor trade route marks a significant milestone in regional trade facilitation and continental integration under the AfCFTA framework.
The initiative is expected to boost economic growth, increase exports, and create new opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
Comment here