Nigeria air cargo reforms target non-oil export growth with new infrastructure, tighter revenue systems, and improved farm-to-airport logistics
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched a series of air cargo reforms aimed at positioning the aviation sector as a driver of non-oil exports, officials confirmed.
The initiative includes new infrastructure, improved revenue collection, and stronger institutional coordination, as the government seeks to diversify the economy beyond crude oil.
The reforms stem from the establishment of the Cargo Development Directorate in December 2024, following recommendations from the Aviacargo Committee.
The directorate oversees efficiency improvements, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure expansion.
In May 2025, FAAN inaugurated a domestic cargo terminal at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos, with plans to replicate similar hubs in Abuja and Kano.
The authority has resumed direct cargo revenue collection at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, after a 15-year hiatus, and introduced stricter enforcement to prevent commercial goods being transported as passenger luggage.
Proposed increases in handling fees triggered debate, with a compromise tariff of N15 per kilogram now in effect.
Experts note that reforms could strengthen Nigeria’s position in global agricultural exports, particularly for perishables such as yams, peppers, and mangoes.
However, aviation analysts, including John Ojikutu of Centurion Security Limited, caution that current annual cargo volumes, which have often hovered below 300,000 tonnes, may not justify large-scale infrastructure investment.
Challenges such as fragmented farm-to-airport logistics, inadequate cold-chain facilities, macroeconomic volatility, and limited aircraft availability remain.
Stakeholders emphasise that measurable export growth, integrated digital solutions, and operational efficiency are critical to ensuring the reforms translate into sustainable trade expansion.
FAAN officials stress that successful implementation will require coordination with the Nigeria Customs Service, agricultural agencies, and state governments, alongside private-sector engagement.
The reforms aim not only to enhance cargo throughput but also to support airport sustainability and broader economic diversification goals.
Business3 years ago
