The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has introduced a series of air cargo reforms aimed at strengthening logistics infrastructure and supporting the expansion of Nigeria’s non‑oil export sector.
Nigeria’s non‑oil exports have historically faced logistical challenges, including gaps in cold‑chain facilities, fragmented cargo handling systems and limited air freight infrastructure.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) created a dedicated Cargo Development Directorate in December 2024 to address these challenges and support export activities through improved air cargo operations.
The reforms are part of broader efforts by government authorities and aviation stakeholders to enhance the country’s export capacity, particularly for agricultural produce and other non‑oil goods, by improving trade logistics and connectivity.
FAAN has established a Cargo Development Directorate, led by the Director of Cargo Development & Services, to focus on improving Nigeria’s air cargo infrastructure and processes.
The Directorate’s mandate includes increasing handling capacity, streamlining cargo operations and expanding facilities across major airports.
In May 2025, FAAN commissioned a new domestic cargo terminal at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos.
The facility is intended to enhance cargo handling efficiency and facilitate movement of goods through the airport. Plans are underway to replicate similar cargo infrastructure enhancements in other cities, including Abuja and Kano.
Industry stakeholders have engaged with FAAN and other agencies involved in export logistics to address bottlenecks in the supply chain.
Meetings with the Nigeria Customs Service, ground handling firms and freight forwarders have formed part of the collaborative efforts to reduce procedural delays and improve cargo throughput.
The reforms also include measures to strengthen revenue collection at cargo terminals. FAAN resumed direct collection of cargo revenue at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport cargo terminal after a 15‑year hiatus, with officials positioned at cargo release points to improve accountability.
In addition to infrastructure development, FAAN and other stakeholders have discussed digital improvements such as integrated cargo clearance systems and cold‑chain solutions to reduce product spoilage and align Nigeria’s air cargo operations with global standards.
The air cargo reforms reflect a focused initiative to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global non‑oil export markets by addressing longstanding logistical obstacles.
If infrastructure and procedural enhancements materialise as planned, exporters of perishable and high‑value goods could benefit from improved cargo handling and more reliable pathways to international markets.
The reforms also align with national economic diversification strategies that aim to reduce reliance on crude oil by promoting sectors such as agriculture, manufactured goods and trade.
