The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has partnered with the UN Development Programme and Uganda Airlines to officially launch the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, a major export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Speaking at the launch event held on Africa Day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Minister Dr. Jumoke Oduwole announced that the corridor will give Nigerian exporters access to key African markets, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, with air cargo rates reduced by 50–75%, including regulatory charges.
She stated that this initiative represents a major step toward fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by harnessing the opportunities of the AfCFTA.
Specifically designed to empower Nigerian businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the air cargo corridor will enable them to access African markets with increased confidence, reduced costs, faster delivery times, and lower risk.
The preferential cargo rates will benefit businesses affiliated with key national trade associations, ensuring broad and inclusive access to the initiative.
This development follows President Tinubu’s approval and the formal gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025. Backed by the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Ministry has positioned Nigeria not just as a participant in AfCFTA, but as a frontrunner in driving its implementation across the continent.
Operating from Lagos and Abuja, the newly launched air cargo corridor is the result of strong government collaboration. In her remarks, the trade minister expressed her appreciation to key officials for the success of the launch.
The inaugural shipment featured a variety of Made-in-Nigeria goods such as textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed products. Notably, all exporters on this first flight were women-owned businesses, recognized as trailblazers in driving Nigeria’s leadership in intra-African trade.
According to her, “AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets. As we mark Africa Day, I want to especially commend and thank the indefatigable Nigerian businesses participating in this inaugural flight. Today, they are exporting a diverse product basket, textiles, bags, cosmetics, agro-processed products, and more, to our African partners.
She added that “This Administration will continue to stand with you as you take even bigger and bolder leaps to expand Nigeria’s footprint across the continent. The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent.”
