Stakeholders in Nigeria’s trade and logistics sectors have called on the federal government to pursue comprehensive air cargo and multimodal logistics reforms to position the country as a leading trade hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
During a policy roundtable in Lagos, industry experts said that enhancing Nigeria’s air cargo capacity, integrating it with seaports and inland transport networks, and streamlining customs and regulatory processes would unlock significant economic opportunities, strengthen intra-African trade flows, and attract foreign direct investment. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
Participants emphasised that efficient multimodal logistics systems — combining air, sea, rail, and road transport — are key to reducing cargo transit times, lowering logistics costs, and improving supply chain reliability for exporters and importers alike. They argued that current infrastructure gaps and procedural bottlenecks hinder Nigeria’s competitiveness in the AfCFTA market, especially for time-sensitive and high-value goods. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
The roundtable highlighted that Nigeria’s strategic location, large consumer market, and established transport corridors are assets that could be leveraged to create a regional freight hub, provided that targeted reforms are implemented in areas such as customs clearance, cargo handling standards, cold-chain facilities, and airport capacity expansion. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
Experts also urged policymakers to strengthen digital platforms — such as the National Single Window — to ensure real-time cargo visibility, faster approvals, and better inter-agency coordination across border points. Such measures, they said, would foster a more predictable trading environment and help SMEs integrate into regional and global value chains. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
The consensus from the event was that air cargo development and multimodal logistics integration should be prioritised in national economic planning to position Nigeria as a central logistical hub for AfCFTA trade, ultimately boosting exports, creating jobs, and reinforcing the nation’s role in Africa’s economic integration agenda. (premiumnewsdaily.com.ng)
January 29, 2026 — Source: Premium News Daily