Experts warn fragmented air cargo policies could cost Nigeria its competitive edge under Africa’s free trade pact.
The Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) says Nigeria’s air cargo system must be overhauled to boost AfCFTA trade, national competitiveness, and economic growth. In a policy brief, Dr. Eugene Nweke highlighted that air cargo is vital for high-value, time-sensitive exports like agro-produce, pharmaceuticals, and manufactured goods.
Nweke noted that current gaps — fragmented governance, inconsistent policies, and weak tariff-service links — risk making Nigeria a high-cost, low-efficiency hub, allowing other African economies to gain an advantage.
He urged the government to:
Recognise air cargo as strategic trade infrastructure.
Align tariffs and policies with AfCFTA goals.
Establish a permanent National Air Cargo Economic and Trade Facilitation Committee including FAAN, airlines, Customs, exporters, and stakeholders.
Implement phased tariffs linked to service performance and export priorities.
Accelerate digitalisation with a National Air Cargo Community System.
SEREC stressed that immediate reforms could position Nigeria as a leading AfCFTA air cargo hub while supporting trade diversification and regional value chain integration.
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