Nigeria is accelerating air cargo reforms to unlock the full potential of its non-oil exports, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) leading infrastructure upgrades and revenue restructuring across major airports.
For decades, Nigeria’s aviation industry focused largely on passenger traffic, leaving the cargo ecosystem underdeveloped. That narrative is changing.
In December 2024, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo established a dedicated Cargo Development Directorate to modernise air freight operations and position Nigeria as a competitive agro-export hub.
Lagos Cargo Terminal Expansion and National Rollout
A major milestone came in May 2025 with the commissioning of a new domestic cargo terminal at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos.
The facility is designed to improve cargo handling efficiency, reduce export bottlenecks, and strengthen cold-chain logistics for perishable goods such as yams, mangoes, peppers, and leafy vegetables.
FAAN plans to replicate the cargo terminal model in Abuja and Kano, creating a nationwide network of modern cargo processing hubs.
The goal is to reduce post-harvest losses — currently estimated to affect up to 80 percent of agricultural produce between farms and airports.
Streamlining Export Processes and Increasing Revenue
Beyond infrastructure, reforms focus on digital clearance systems, improved customs coordination, and plugging revenue leakages.
FAAN recently resumed direct cargo revenue collection at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to enhance transparency.
However, proposed tariff increases sparked resistance from exporters concerned about rising freight costs and global competitiveness.
Authorities argue the revised charges are necessary to sustain airport operations and expand cargo capacity.
Can Nigeria Lead Africa’s Air Cargo Market?
Aviation analysts say Nigeria ranks fourth in Africa’s air cargo movement but has the production base to climb higher.
Yet critics warn that without verifiable cargo traffic data and stable macroeconomic conditions, reforms risk limited impact.
Still, with growing focus on export logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, and regulatory coordination, Nigeria’s air cargo strategy signals a serious commitment to diversifying the economy beyond oil and strengthening its global trade footprint.
