Nigeria expands AfCFTA air cargo, cuts export costs by over 50%

Nigeria has expanded its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Air Cargo Export Corridor, a development expected to boost regional trade, lower logistics costs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products across African markets.

The expanded corridor, launched in partnership with RwandAir, now provides exporters with a direct access to key destinations in East and Southern Africa, including Kigali, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lusaka and Harare.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Route in Lagos, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing one of the major challenges confronting exporters—high freight costs.

According to her, export cargo rates have dropped from between $3 and $10 per kilogramme to less than $2 per kilogramme under the arrangement, reducing transportation expenses by more than 50 per cent and making Nigerian products more competitive in regional markets.

She noted that the lower freight charges would particularly benefit exporters of manufactured goods, agro-processed products and other value-added commodities seeking access to new markets across the continent.

Oduwole disclosed that the corridor recorded a 40 per cent increase in export volumes during its first year of operation, indicating growing participation by Nigerian businesses and rising demand for locally produced goods in African countries.

The minister said the initiative aligned with the federal government’s strategy to expand non-oil exports and maximise opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across Africa.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced plans for a direct cargo route between Gwangju in China and Enugu International Airport, scheduled to commence in December 2026.

He explained that imports destined for Nigeria would be consolidated in Gwangju and flown directly to Enugu before distribution to major commercial centres such as Aba, Nnewi, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

Keyamo said the Federal Government was equally advancing efforts to promote a Single African Air Transport Market by reducing restrictions on air travel and cargo movement across the continent.

He stressed that improving connectivity and easing barriers to trade would accelerate economic integration and support the objectives of the AfCFTA.

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Moses Rugema, described the inaugural flight as a significant milestone in translating AfCFTA commitments into practical economic cooperation between African countries.

Similarly, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the corridor would strengthen trade relations and facilitate smoother movement of goods within Africa.

Industry stakeholders believe the reduction in freight costs could unlock significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which have struggled with high logistics expenses that limit their export potential.

To benefit from the scheme, exporters are required to obtain an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin from the Nigeria Customs Service, certifying that their products qualify for preferential trade benefits under the continental agreement.

The women in export who were also at the event stated that the expanded air cargo corridor could drive higher export earnings, stimulate industrial production and create jobs while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading trade and logistics hub in Africa.

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