Nigeria, East and Southern Africa Open Air Cargo Trade Corridor in Landmark Customs, Trade Ministry Initiative

…Target 50% Export Price Reduction as AfCFTA Gains Momentum

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), on Sunday, 25 May 2025, officially launched the Nigeria – East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The initiative marks a major stride in regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

The inaugural ceremony brought together key players in government and the aviation industry, including the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi; and Ms Adebola Agunbiade, Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who represented the Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku.

In his keynote address, CGC Adeniyi heralded the initiative as a strategic breakthrough that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and showcases the Customs Service’s pivotal role in the implementation of AfCFTA.

“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.

Highlighting the country’s growing export potential, the Customs chief disclosed that in 2024, Nigeria facilitated exports valued at N136.65 trillion — a remarkable 219.5% increase compared to the previous year.

The momentum has continued into 2025, with Q1 exports recording a staggering 349% rise compared to the same period in 2024.

Adeniyi further revealed several strategic reforms undertaken by the Service to enhance cross-border trade, including the issuance of AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, the digitalisation of export processes, and the establishment of dedicated AfCFTA units in all Customs commands.

He commended the inter-agency collaboration that birthed the corridor and encouraged replication of the model across other trade routes — maritime, road, and rail — to create a seamless trade network across the continent.

“This corridor must not stand alone. It is a template for future trade networks connecting seaports, airports, and borders for the prosperity of our people,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FAAN, and logistics stakeholders for their steadfast support and professionalism in executing the initiative.

“As we flag off this strategic route, we are flagging off a future of innovation, jobs, technology, and inclusive prosperity for the African continent,” he concluded.

On her part, Honourable Minister Oduwole described the launch as a decisive policy action to fast-track Nigeria’s economic diversification through export-led growth.

“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 said.

She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigerian enterprises in scaling up value-added production and accessing new markets through the AfCFTA platform.

The event’s highlight was the symbolic loading and handover of export cargo to Uganda Airlines, signifying the corridor’s operational commencement.

Receiving the cargo on behalf of the airline, Uganda Airlines Country Manager, Mr Patrick Ziwa, lauded Nigeria’s leadership in pioneering air cargo innovation across Africa.

“This is a strong statement by Nigeria to other African nations that regional trade is not just a vision — it is already in motion,” Ziwa remarked.

Following the cargo handover, Nigerian exporters who had complied with AfCFTA regulations were issued Certificates of Origin, granting them access to preferential tariffs in East and Southern African markets.

Ms Adebola Agunbiade, representing FAAN, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to building infrastructure and implementing policies that support air cargo efficiency and national trade objectives.

“FAAN, under the leadership of Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, is fully aligned with the national export strategy and will continue to make our airports drivers of economic development,” she assured.

The launch of the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor stands as a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to lead Africa’s economic renaissance, bridging regional divides through innovation, infrastructure, and inclusive trade.