Airports are Catalysts for Air Cargo and Logistics Growth in Nigeria, Says Bi-Courtney COO at CHINET AviaCargo Conference
The strategic positioning of airports in Nigeria, particularly as key economic hubs, serves as a linchpin for fostering trade, enhancing connectivity, and driving economic growth within the West African sub-region and beyond.
At the recently concluded 4th CHINET AviaCargo Conference held in Lagos, aviation and cargo stakeholders explored how airports are not just transit points but crucial catalysts in the evolution of air cargo and logistics in the country.
Speaking at the conference, the Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, Mr. Remi Jibodu, emphasised the pivotal role airports play in developing Nigeria’s air cargo and logistics sectors.
His presentation, titled “The Role of an Airport in Developing Air Cargo & Logistics in Nigeria,” highlighted the sector’s growth potential, challenges, and the critical contributions of airports in driving economic expansion.
Mr. Jibodu illustrated the current market landscape, revealing that Nigeria’s air transport sector facilitated exports worth N55.32 billion in the first quarter of 2024, a figure accounting for 0.29% of the nation’s total export value of N19.167 trillion, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
He also pointed out the booming e-commerce market, which currently generates an estimated $12 billion annually and is projected to reach $75 billion in revenues by 2025.
He disclosed that cargo traffic statistics from 2021 further underscored the sector’s importance, with Nigeria handling a total of 217,814,391.95 kg, marking a 47.70% increase from 2020.
Jibodu noted that with these stats, the air freight market, valued at $3.01 billion in 2024, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.54% to reach $5.64 billion by 2029.
Despite these promising figures, Mr. Jibodu identified several inherent challenges hindering the full potential of the air cargo sector. He cited inadequate aircraft capacity, insufficient infrastructure, and a fragmented air cargo ecosystem as primary obstacles.
Additionally, he pointed to the lack of technological integration, non-digitalised cargo processes, low market awareness, and the proliferation of non-professionals within the industry as critical issues that need to be addressed.
“The current air cargo landscape in Nigeria is marred by a lack of innovation and alignment with global trends,” Mr. Jibodu noted, calling for a more structured and professional approach to overcoming these challenges.
The presentation, however, highlighted the strategic role airports must play in overcoming these challenges and fostering the growth of air cargo and logistics in Nigeria.
Mr. Jibodu outlined several key actions airports should take, including enforcing regulations, providing adequate infrastructure such as screening machines, and creating an enabling marketplace.
He emphasised the need for collaboration and partnership among airlines, ground handlers, and logistics companies to create synergy within the sector, stressing the importance of embracing technology, advocating for the digitalisation of the cargo ecosystem and the adoption of interline models with other transport sectors to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Furthermore, Mr. Jibodu underscored the need for airports to support auxiliary cargo businesses, such as cold cargo, and to adopt concessionaire models to drive investment and development.
He also called for data-driven advisory services to enhance connectivity and align cargo operations with key trade centers, thereby boosting economic connectivity and productivity.
“The impact of airports on the development of air cargo is undeniable,” Mr. Jibodu asserted, citing the potential for increased revenue generation, enhanced economic connectivity, and overall productivity growth.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s GDP, which stands at $252 billion in 2024, could see significant growth through strategic investment in the air cargo sector, contributing to national economic prosperity.
Additionally, he highlighted the potential for job creation, a critical factor given Nigeria’s unemployment rate of 22.6%, as reported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Jibodu reiterated the critical role airports play in the nation’s economic growth and called for collective efforts to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s domestic air cargo network.
“By investing in infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration, we can build a future where our domestic airports are beacons of efficiency, reliability, and excellence in air cargo operations,” he concluded, urging stakeholders to work together to realize this vision.
The CHINET AviaCargo Conference, a premier event in Nigeria’s aviation and logistics calendar, continues to serve as a vital platform for industry leaders to discuss and strategise the future of air cargo and logistics in the country.
