The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment , in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Airlines , has officially launched the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor —a groundbreaking export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
The launch, held on Africa Day at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja , marks a significant step in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign promise to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by leveraging AfCFTA opportunities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole , announced that the new air corridor will provide Nigerian exporters with access to three key African hubs—Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa —at cargo rates discounted by 50-75 per cent , significantly reducing logistics costs, including regulatory charges. This initiative is specifically designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) , enabling them to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risks.
The preferential cargo rates will apply to businesses affiliated with leading national business associations, including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) , Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NASME) , Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) , and the Women Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture (WCCIMA) , ensuring inclusive participation and coordinated implementation.
Related News
- FG unveils intra-African air cargo corridor with 50% discount
- FG reviews trade strategy amid US tariff threat
- Firm celebrates digital innovation award
This milestone follows President Tinubu’s approval and the formal gazetting of Nigeria’s Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions in April 2025. With support from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa , the Ministry has positioned Nigeria not just as a participant in AfCFTA but as a leader in shaping and advancing the agreement’s implementation.
Government Collaboration and Stakeholder Support
Operating from Lagos and Abuja , the corridor is backed by strong government collaboration. In her remarks, Dr. Oduwole expressed appreciation to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy , the Minister of Aviation , the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service , and the Managing Director/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for their instrumental roles in facilitating the successful launch.
Inaugural Cargo Shipment: A Milestone for Women-Owned Businesses
The inaugural cargo shipment featured a diverse basket of Made-in-Nigeria products , including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods, signaling the beginning of a new era for Nigerian exports into African markets. Notably, all exporters on this historic flight were women-owned businesses , recognized as pioneers leading the charge in positioning Nigerian enterprises at the forefront of intra-African trade.
“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,” Dr. Oduwole stated.
She added, “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.”
Follow us on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/businessnewsng?igsh=ZXpweTdjOGF1ZXdu
