• Canvasses right infrastructure, good policy, stakeholders collaboration

Sade Williams/Business a.m.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, talked up the multi-billion-dollars revenue generating potential of Nigeria’s air cargo industry that can be the pride of the country, but said before this can happen, there will have to be right infrastructure and regulatory environment, good policy frameworks, and an active collaboration among all stakeholders.

The minister gave this positive view at the 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference, where he noted that there were immense opportunities within the cargo sector, adding, “we need to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it.”

Keyamo, who was represented by Janet Oouta, special assistant on service delivery to the minister, noted that the realisation of this has led to the establishment of a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

“This directorate is tasked with implementing far-reaching policies and programmes that will catalyse the growth of our air cargo industry. These initiatives are designed to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region.

“The realisation of this vision too, however, requires more than just policy frameworks; it necessitates the active collaboration of all stakeholders. I am optimistic that with the support of industry leaders, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and international partners, we can drive the cargo industry into a multi-billion-dollar sector that will be the pride of our nation,” he said.

Nigeria must strive for a vibrant cargo sector which  offers numerous benefits to the  economy, Keyamo said.

“It is a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening up new markets for Nigerian products. With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, our agricultural exports, for example, can reach global markets faster, fresher, and more competitively. Furthermore, a robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he elaborated.

While reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of the air cargo sector, he urged stakeholders to build a thriving industry that will not only boost the economy but also place Nigeria at the forefront of global cargo and logistics.