Aviation experts urge FAAN to reform Nigeria’s air cargo sector with digital systems, cargo villages, and global-standard infrastructure

Officials said that Aviation experts urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to spearhead a transformative overhaul of the nation’s air cargo ecosystem, positioning it to meet global benchmarks in efficiency, technology, and sustainability.

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This call was led by the President of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Nigeria, Dr Alexander Nwuba, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, where he outlined a detailed blueprint he described as essential for repositioning Nigeria as a competitive logistics hub.

Nwuba recommended the creation of modern cargo villages at major airports, featuring cold-chain infrastructure, automated handling systems, renewable energy installations, and improved traceability.

He cited Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as a strong model for perishable exports, highlighting how its cold-chain system enables swift and sustainable global delivery.

He further pushed for a single-window digital clearance platform, harmonised procedures across agencies, and a proposed Cargo Bill of Rights to protect shippers, handlers, and consumers.

Ghana’s digital customs system was referenced as proof of how streamlined processes can eliminate bottlenecks.

Nwuba underscored the importance of electronic documentation, blockchain-based traceability, barcoding, and data analytics to improve compliance and operational transparency.

He added that consistent training for handlers, regulators, and logistics professionals must incorporate environmental stewardship and community engagement.

He also emphasised enhanced access to credit and insurance for exporters, including green financing options, and highlighted public-private partnerships as critical to unlocking investment in cargo infrastructure.

Responding to the proposals, FAAN’s Director of Cargo Services, Lekan Thomas, said the Directorate was established to dismantle longstanding barriers and strengthen partnerships required to modernise the sector.

Echoing this, FAAN’s Managing Director—represented by Director of Special Duties, Obiageli Orah—said stakeholders’ insights would shape a collaborative roadmap aimed at resolving infrastructure gaps, improving operational efficiency, and boosting Nigeria’s trade capacity.

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She urged participants to co-design solutions that would elevate Nigeria into a strategic air-cargo gateway connecting Africa to global markets, describing the new engagement model as a powerful shift towards a “partner–partner relationship,” a truly powerful departure from old transactional systems.