The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), led by Managing Director Olubunmi Kuku, is actively modernizing Nigeria’s air cargo sector to boost global competitiveness.
Currently, reforms focus on Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s position in international trade.
These changes will enhance export efficiency and ensure Nigerian goods meet global standards, fostering economic growth.
Despite these efforts, air transport accounted for only 0.29% (₦55.32 billion) of Nigeria’s ₦19.167 trillion total exports in Q1 2024, while maritime dominated with 99.25%.
Conversely, air imports reached ₦707.56 billion, representing 5.60% of the ₦12.643 trillion total.
This imbalance highlights the urgent need for improved air cargo infrastructure and capacity to boost export performance.
To address these challenges, Kuku is tackling critical issues such as outdated facilities, aircraft shortages, and underinvestment.
Experts estimate that upgrading 24 airports requires over $5 billion.
However, FAAN is already optimizing operations by modernizing MMIA’s cargo facilities and ensuring compliance with global handling standards.
These steps will enhance efficiency for perishable and non-perishable goods.
A major breakthrough came in February 2024 when Nahcoaviance launched its N1 billion Export Processing and Packaging Centre.
This facility improves agricultural exports by addressing shelf-life, temperature control, and packaging.
Additionally, the Aviacargo committee introduced a five-step export pathway to minimize rejection of Nigerian goods abroad through strict regulatory checks.
The pathway tracks exports from registered farms, ensuring compliance with Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), NDLEA, and Customs.
It also involves licensed handlers and certified KC3 agents to meet international standards. These measures aim to streamline exports, reduce rejection rates, and enhance Nigeria’s trade reputation.
In August 2024, a pilot project tested these reforms at Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Jos airports.
Stakeholders, including NEPC, NAFDAC, SON, NAQS, NDLEA, and Customs, participated in trial runs to assess the Air Cargo Pathway’s efficiency.
This collaboration ensures smoother export processes and strengthens sector-wide coordination.
Under Kuku’s leadership, cargo operations are transforming rapidly.
John Ogbe, Head of the Cargo Department, revealed that 90% of cargo personnel are now registered, with biometric data collection in progress.
A controlled gate system and two-gate entry-exit process will enhance security, reducing unauthorized access and improving operational integrity.
Ogbe also addressed truck congestion by introducing a scheduled pickup system, similar to the Nigeria Ports Authority’s model.
Only trucks with pre-approved cargo movements can now access the cargo area, minimizing delays and boosting efficiency.
These changes align with federal goals to diversify the economy through non-oil exports.
Tunde Oluweye, Head of Security at the Cargo Warehouse, highlighted security upgrades, including the Itemizer 5X explosive trace detector.
This advanced technology, implemented with Delta Airlines and the TSA, ensures shipments meet international safety standards.
Such improvements will reduce cargo rejections and strengthen Nigeria’s global trade standing.
With these reforms, Nigeria’s air cargo sector is set for significant growth.
By enforcing compliance and modernizing infrastructure, FAAN aims to drive economic expansion, increase foreign exchange earnings, and solidify Nigeria’s role in global trade.
As Ogbe stated, “Cleaning up the system will enable profitable, legitimate exports, stimulating the economy and positioning Nigeria as a key air cargo player.”
