The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor to enable Nigerian enterprises to expand into other African countries at reduced costs.
Speaking during the launch held on Africa Day, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced that the new air cargo route, established under the African Continental Free Trade Area Framework, will give Nigerian exporters access to three key African hubs including Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
According to the Minister, the new air cargo connects Nigerian goods to AfCFTA markets via Uganda Airlines, enabling a 50 – 75% reduction in logistics, which includes regulatory charges.
She described the development as a significant milestone in the collective efforts to help Nigerian businesses, especially for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opportunities at lower costs and reduced risks.
The special rates will be available to Nigerian businesses that are members of recognised business associations, such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists, and Women Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Dr. Odulwole said:
“Commencing from Lagos and Abuja, this corridor is more than a logistics initiative. It is a strategic trade enabler accelerating regional integration and unlocking new opportunities for Nigerian exporters.
“For far too long, Nigerian exporters have faced steep logistic costs and long delivery times, when they trade with African partners. This corridor reduces delivery timelines from months to days and ensures that time-sensitive, perishable goods reach their destination in peak conditions.”
The Minister also extended appreciation to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Aviation, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the MD/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria for their contributions to the successful rollout of the initiative.
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