Nigeria Poised to Become West Africa’s Cargo Hub, Says Aviation Minister at 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference
Nigeria’s Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has outlined the nation’s ambitious vision to transform into the leading cargo hub of West Africa.
Keyamo made this bold declaration at the 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference held in Lagos recently.
The event, which gathered distinguished guests, industry leaders, and professionals, served as a platform to discuss the future of Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sectors.
Addressing the audience as the special guest of honour, ably represented by Janet Oputa, Special Assistant to the Minister on Service Delivery, Keyamo expressed his gratitude to the organisers, particularly Chinet, for their dedication to advancing the Aviacargo industry in Nigeria.
He praised their efforts in fostering collaboration among stakeholders and setting a clear path for sustainable growth.
“Our gathering today is more than a meeting of minds; it is a collective commitment to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s air cargo sector,” Minister Keyamo stated.
He emphasised that this vision extends beyond aspiration, framing it as a strategic imperative essential for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing Nigeria’s position within the global logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
Recognising the vast opportunities within the cargo sector, Minister Keyamo highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. A significant milestone in these efforts is the establishment of a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This directorate is charged with implementing comprehensive policies and programs to propel the air cargo industry forward.
“The Cargo Directorate is not just an administrative body but a catalyst for transformation,” Minister Keyamo explained. “Our initiatives will streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and build partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region.”
The minister detailed how a vibrant cargo sector is pivotal to the nation’s economy. He underscored its role as a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening new markets for Nigerian products. With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, he noted, Nigeria’s agricultural exports, for example, could reach global markets more swiftly and competitively.
Keyamo also spoke on the broader economic impact of a thriving cargo industry, citing the potential for growth in ancillary services such as warehousing and logistics, which would create a ripple effect of economic activities and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP.
However, he cautioned that realizing this vision would require more than just policy frameworks. “The active collaboration of all stakeholders is essential,” he urged. “With the support of industry leaders, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and international partners, we can drive the cargo industry into a multi-billion-dollar sector that will be the pride of our nation.”
The Minister expressed optimism that the discussions at the conference would not only address existing challenges but also lead to innovative solutions that would accelerate the growth of the Aviacargo sector in Nigeria.
He encouraged all participants to engage in open dialogue, share their expertise, and collaborate on actionable plans to bring the shared vision closer to reality.
Concluding, the minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of the air cargo sector. “Together, let us build a thriving industry that will not only boost our economy but also place Nigeria at the forefront of global cargo and logistics.”
The AviaCargo Conference continues to serve as a critical platform for forging partnerships and aligning strategies with global best practices, as stakeholders work towards a brighter future for Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sectors.
