Nigeria, East/Southern Africa air cargo flag-off to boost Nigerian exports, catalyse regional integration- Oduwole
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By Rukayat Moisemhe (08083292408)
Lagos, May 25, 2025(NAN) Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, says the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa air cargo corridor route flag-off would strategically enable trade, accelerate regional integration and boost Nigerian exports.
Oduwole made the assertion on Sunday in Abuja at the inaugural ceremony.
She noted that air cargo corridor commencing from Lagos and Abuja, was more than a logistics initiative.
She stated that the development was a strategic trade enabler that unlocked new opportunities for Nigerian exporters under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Oduwole said the initiative was built by Africans, for Africans and capitalised on Nigeria’s strategic location, its role as AfCFTA digital trade co-champion, HerAfCFTA champion and unmatched entrepreneurial spirit.
She noted that under the initiative, Uganda air rate negotiated price had dropped the cost by 75 per cent per exporter from 1,000 dollars to 260 dollars with all charges included.
This, the minister stated, meant Nigerian goods could scale into the AfCFTA market through strategic partnership with Uganda Airlines.
“This corridor is framed by special rates that are currently 50 per cent lower than commercial rates.
“Importantly, these rates are applicable to Nigerian businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are members of the umbrella business groups in Nigeria.
“For far too long, Nigerian exporters have faced steep logistics costs and long delivery times, when they trade with African partners.
“This corridor reduces delivery timelines from months to days – and it ensures that time-sensitive, perishable goods reach their destinations in peak condition,” she said.
The minister described the air corridor as not just a pilot, but a pathway for Nigerian MSMEs to enter and expand across Africa with greater confidence, lower costs, shorter time frames, and reduced risk.
She said the flights from Lagos and Abuja today were not just carrying goods but carried the commitment, ambitions, and resilience of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs.
She revealed that on May 26, there would be a launch of a powerful AfCFTA Market Insights/Intelligence Tool, developed with UNDP, to help businesses decode regulatory requirements and identify trends in East and Southern African countries.
Oduwole lauded Nigeria’s leading business groups for their close collaboration in coordinating credible exporters for the air cargo corridor.
“I also extend my gratitude to the Government of Uganda and Uganda Airlines for being a committed partner in this bold initiative, and to the leadership of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Regional AfCFTA Portfolio, and the Country Offices in Nigeria and Uganda for their unwavering support in translating vision into impact.
“In addition, I want to thank the Honourable Minister of Aviation, the MD/CEO, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, as well as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, and their teams, for facilitating the formalities and processes to make today possible,” she said.
Oduwole also commended Nigerian businesses that were sending shipments on the inaugural flight.
She noted that they exported a diverse product basket – textiles, bags, cosmetics, agro – processed products and more to African partners.
“The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment stands with you as you take the bold leap to expand your footprint into Africa.
“AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted and Nigerian businesses must launch their goods into the continental market and do so with the full backing of government, partners, and now, a dedicated cargo corridor.
“To every Nigerian exporter, innovator, and entrepreneur: this is your invitation to trade differently, trade confidently to trade continentally,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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