The Nigeria Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and Uganda Airlines, inaugurated the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor on Sunday. The export initiative operates under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, which will strengthen trade connectivity and foster economic growth across the region.
At the Africa Day event at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, unveiled the new air corridor designed to boost export opportunities. The initiative grants Nigerian exporters access to three major African trade hubs—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa—while lowering logistics costs with air cargo rates reduced by 50-75%.
The decision follows the official gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions (PSTCs) in April 2025, marking the country’s readiness to implement AfCFTA protocols and take advantage of preferential tariff rates across Africa.
Tailored to support Nigerian businesses, especially MSMEs, the initiative improves their ability to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risk.
Businesses affiliated with national trade organizations, such as the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, and the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, will benefit from preferential cargo rates, ensuring broad participation and enhanced trade opportunities.
Departing from Lagos and Abuja, the air cargo route is structured to enable swift, secure, and economical export of perishable and time-sensitive goods, such as textiles, cosmetics, processed foods, and leather products.
Furthermore, Minister Oduwole revealed plans to introduce an AfCFTA Market Intelligence Tool in collaboration with the UNDP to assist Nigerian exporters in understanding complex regulations and accessing new trade opportunities across East and Southern Africa.
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