MINISTER of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has described a vibrant cargo sector as a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening up new markets for Nigerian products.
With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, the country’s agricultural exports, for example, can reach global markets faster, fresher and more competitively.
The minister, who stated this at the fourth Chinet Aviacargo Conference 2024, held in Lagos, while emphasising the critical role of a vibrant cargo business in an airport, remarked: “A robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to our GDP. The realisation of this vision, however, requires more than just policy frameworks; it necessitates the active collaboration of all stakeholders.
“I am optimistic that 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.
“This conference is a crucial platform for forging such partnerships and aligning our strategies with global best practices. I expect that the discussions and deliberations at this conference will not only highlight the challenges we face, but also propose innovative solutions that will accelerate the growth of the aviacargo sector in Nigeria.
“I would like to reiterate 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.”
Commending the organisers of the conference, particularly Chinet, for their role in advancing the aviacargo industry in Nigeria, the minister said: “Your efforts have not only fostered collaboration but also set a clear path for the sustainable growth of this vital sector.
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“As we convene here today, we are united by a common goal: to unlock the full potential of the air cargo sector in Nigeria and transform our nation into the cargo hub of West Africa.”
The minister cited the steps his ministry has taken to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it.
He said: “To this end, we have established a dedicated cargo directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This directorate is tasked with implementing far-reaching policies and programmes that will catalyse the growth of our air cargo industry.
“These initiatives are designed to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure and foster partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region.”
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