Nosa Aituamen
The Federal government’s efforts to transform the aviation sector have yielded a significant result with the inauguration of a domestic cargo processing facility in Lagos.
This new terminal is a critical hub for domestic and international trade, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s logistics sector.
The facility located in the domestic wing of the Lagos airport is fitted with equipment for the safe handling of cargo and aims to accelerate trade, enhance operational efficiency, and position Nigeria for the future.
The cargo terminal is expected to have a ripple effect, increasing revenue for the aviation sector and strengthening supply chains for businesses nationwide.
The Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku said, this represents a bold step toward efficiency, connectivity, and sustainable economic growth.
Mrs Kuku represented by the Director, Commerical and Business Development, Miss Adebola Agunbiade said, with the growth of e-commerce and agricultural exports, the demand for reliable, rapid, and secure cargo logistics has never been greater.
“Let us harness its potential to drive efficiency, expand trade networks, and reinforce Nigeria’s presence in the global cargo industry. We are unlocking opportunities for trade, commerce, and national development”.
She stressed, “Let us continue to work together to elevate Nigeria’s aviation sector to greater heights. Together, we are ushering in a new era, one where logistics is not a bottleneck but a driving force for prosperity”.
According to Mrs. Kuku, the terminal will also serve as a catalyst for increasing international cargo volumes, attracting more national freight operators to Lagos, the country’s economic heartbeat.
The government has prioritized the development of similar domestic cargo terminals in key locations, including Abuja, Kano, Jos, and Niger states.
Mrs Kuku disclosed that, partnerships with state governments and private stakeholders are being explored to ensure the efficient delivery of these projects.
In his opening remarks, the Director, Cargo development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas said, the Domestic Cargo Shed is a vital component of Nigeria’s national logistics framework, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and capacity in domestic cargo handling.
According to him, the cargo Shed is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and contributing to the country’s growth and development.
He stated that, the facility, which is the result of the visionary leadership of FAAN’s Managing Director, will reduce delays and streamline logistics for businesses of all sizes.
The authority, Mr. Thomas noted is already looking ahead to the next phase of development, which involves the establishment of full-scale domestic cargo hubs at airports across the country.
“According to the international Air Transport Association (IATA) Nigeria handled approximately 174,000 metric tonnes of air freight in 2023, securing a place among Africa’s leading cargo volumes, with imports accounting for about 65% of this volume-including machinery, pharmaceuticals, and high-value perishables”.
He added, “Nigeria’s export sector trails but continues to strengthen, driven by increasing global demand for agricultural produce, solid minerals and textiles”.
Looking ahead, Mr. Thomas noted that, IATA projects that Nigeria’s air cargo industry, will grow at an annual average rate of 5% over the next five years, fueled by trade liberalization and industrial expansion.
The event was attended by various stakeholders, including the management team and staff of FAAN, who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.