…Aims to Cut Export Costs by 50% as AfCFTA Trade Gains Momentum
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), has officially launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor, a landmark step toward facilitating regional trade and strengthening continental integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The launch event took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, drawing key government officials and aviation sector stakeholders.
The high-profile ceremony featured Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; 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 FAAN’s Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
In his keynote address, Comptroller-General Adeniyi described the launch as a significant breakthrough aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a demonstration of Nigeria Customs’ leadership in driving AfCFTA implementation.
“This isn’t just a ceremonial event—it opens new doors for Nigerian businesses and confirms that we are prepared to lead Africa’s economic transformation through trade,” Adeniyi said.
He revealed that in 2024, Nigeria Customs facilitated exports worth ₦136.65 trillion, representing a 219.5% increase from the previous year. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, exports surged by 349% compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting Nigeria’s growing prominence in regional trade.
Adeniyi noted that Customs is actively supporting the new trade corridor by rolling out key initiatives such as issuing AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, digitizing export procedures, and establishing dedicated AfCFTA units at all Customs commands nationwide.
He also emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in making the corridor a reality and called on regional airlines and logistics operators to replicate this model across sea, land, and rail networks.
“This corridor must serve as a blueprint for future trade infrastructure connecting seaports, airports, and border posts to drive prosperity across Africa,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), FAAN, and various logistics stakeholders, for their contributions to the project’s successful execution.
“With this launch, we’re not just opening a route—we’re ushering in a future filled with innovation, employment, technology, and inclusive prosperity across the continent,” Adeniyi concluded.
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In her remarks, Minister Oduwole described the initiative as a practical step toward accelerating Nigeria’s economic diversification through non-oil exports.
“We’re not just talking about diversification—we’re implementing it. Today’s launch marks a game-changing moment for our exporters, especially with the new 50% reduction in air freight costs now in place,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses to scale up value-added production and secure access to international markets under the AfCFTA.
A key moment during the event was the symbolic loading and handover of Nigerian export goods to Uganda Airlines, marking the official activation of the corridor. Patrick Ziwa, Uganda Airlines’ Country Manager, received the cargo and praised Nigeria’s leadership in advancing air cargo trade across Africa.
“This sends a clear message to the rest of Africa—regional trade isn’t just an ambition, it’s already happening,” Ziwa said.
Following the cargo transfer, Nigerian exporters were issued AfCFTA Certificates of Origin, allowing them to benefit from preferential tariffs when trading across East and Southern Africa.
FAAN’s Ms. Adebola Agunbiade reiterated the agency’s dedication to supporting efficient air cargo operations, stating, “Under Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku’s leadership, FAAN is fully aligned with Nigeria’s national export strategy and will continue to transform our airports into engines of economic growth.”
