The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor with a 50 per cent discount, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to boost intra-African trade.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, announced the initiative at the inauguration and marking of the African Day on Sunday in Abuja.
The air cargo corridor is a transformative export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, providing Nigerian exporters with access to three key African hubs: Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
The discounted air cargo rates range from 50 to 75 per cent in logistics costs, including regulatory charges.
Oduwole said the initiative was designed to empower Nigerian enterprises, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risk.
The preferential cargo rates would apply to businesses affiliated with leading national business associations.
The Minister emphasised that the initiative would ensure inclusive participation and coordinated implementation, with the Federal Government committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent.
She expressed appreciation to key stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, Minister of Aviation, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The inaugural cargo shipment featured a diverse basket of Made-in-Nigeria products, including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods.
Notably, all exporters on the historic flight were women-owned businesses, recognised as pioneers in positioning Nigerian enterprises at the forefront of intra-African trade.
Oduwole noted that AfCFTA tariffs were now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets.
She commended the Nigerian businesses participating in the inaugural flight and assured that the Administration will continue to support them in expanding Nigeria’s footprint across the continent.
