Nigeria’s Agricultural Export strategy is entering a decisive phase. In today’s fast-moving trade environment, speed often determines value. For Nigeria, rich in farm produce yet constrained by logistics, the gap between rural producers and overseas buyers has long weakened competitiveness. However, recent aviation reforms suggest the government now views that gap as urgent and strategic, not routine.
The aviation industry, once defined largely by passenger traffic, is being reshaped into a trade enabler. A major shift came with the creation of a dedicated Cargo Development Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in December 2024. Established by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Directorate reflects President Bola Tinubu’s diversification agenda.
Though newly formed, this structure marks a serious intervention in Nigeria’s non-oil trade architecture.
The Agricultural Export Imperative
Sub-Saharan Africa holds vast uncultivated arable land yet remains heavily import-dependent. Nigeria sits at the centre of that paradox. Therefore, repositioning agriculture as an export-driven industry is no longer optional; it is essential for economic stability and foreign exchange earnings.
Perishable produce demands rapid, temperature-controlled movement. Chillies, okra, mangoes, and leafy vegetables lose value within hours if mishandled. European and Middle Eastern markets pay premiums only when freshness is guaranteed. Consequently, air logistics must function seamlessly from farm gate to aircraft hold.
Historically, Nigeria’s cargo network struggled with ageing facilities, slow clearance systems, and fragmented oversight. Freight operations were overshadowed by passenger services. The new Cargo Development Directorate aims to reverse that imbalance and elevate Agricultural Export into a structured revenue stream.
Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas, now leads operational implementation. Meanwhile, Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, continues to champion cargo modernisation as a strategic priority.
Closing the Infrastructure Gap
The most visible reform centres on infrastructure separation. Dedicated cargo terminals are being prioritised to remove freight from passenger congestion. The activation of a Domestic Cargo Facility at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos signals that shift. A similar facility is planned for Abuja.
This separation enhances compliance with phytosanitary standards and reduces spoilage risks. Exporters, who previously absorbed losses from delays, stand to benefit significantly. In addition, specialised handling strengthens Nigeria’s credibility with foreign buyers and inspection authorities.
Cold-chain integrity remains the backbone of agricultural export competitiveness. Therefore, investment in temperature-controlled storage and streamlined cargo corridors is central to the Directorate’s plan.
Building an Integrated Cargo Ecosystem
Air cargo inefficiencies rarely begin in the sky. They emerge at farm clusters, customs checkpoints, and loading bays. Recognising this, the Directorate has intensified stakeholder consultations across the value chain.
Engagements have involved the Nigeria Customs Service, freight forwarders, rural cooperatives, handling companies, regulators, and financial institutions. This collaborative model seeks to eliminate institutional silos. If sustained, it could stabilise Agricultural Export operations and improve predictability.
Meanwhile, regulatory alignment remains critical. Agencies such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority play oversight roles in ensuring standards meet international benchmarks set by bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization. Strong compliance reassures global trading partners.
Shifting Airports Toward Trade
Beyond infrastructure, there is a deliberate narrative change. Airports are increasingly viewed as logistics platforms, not simply passenger terminals. This repositioning aligns airport planning with agricultural production zones.
Encouraging private investment in cold storage facilities forms part of the broader strategy. By linking farming belts directly with cargo corridors, turnaround times could drop significantly. Therefore, Agricultural Export may finally gain the structural backbone it requires.
Market stimulation is equally important. An enabling regulatory environment reduces uncertainty for exporters and investors. In addition, simplifying documentation and reducing manual bottlenecks could expand formal trade volumes.
Revenue Reform and Sustainability
Recent reports highlighted nearly two decades of stagnant cargo-related revenue structures. Consequently, revenue optimisation now forms a key pillar of reform. However, the goal extends beyond fee adjustments.
Expanding cargo throughput, formalising informal channels, and reducing operational leakages are core objectives. Increased volume, rather than higher charges alone, promises sustainable income growth. For FAAN, a stronger cargo portfolio justifies continuous infrastructure reinvestment.
This financial recalibration directly supports Agricultural Export expansion. A well-funded cargo ecosystem can maintain facilities, upgrade equipment, and ensure long-term operational resilience.
Wider Economic Implications
Nigeria’s broader ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy depends heavily on non-oil earnings. Agricultural export sits at the heart of that diversification model. Aviation, therefore, must evolve from property management to trade facilitation.
Under Mrs Kuku’s administrative leadership and Mr Thomas’s operational oversight, cargo reform has gained clearer direction. If implementation remains disciplined, farmers in states like Oyo, Benue, and Kaduna could access overseas wholesalers more reliably.
The potential multiplier effect is substantial. Higher export volumes strengthen foreign reserves, stabilise rural incomes, and stimulate agro-processing industries. Meanwhile, improved logistics reduce post-harvest losses that currently erode farmer profitability.
Execution: The Deciding Factor
Nigeria’s infrastructure history offers cautionary lessons. Many promising frameworks faltered during execution. Therefore, the success of the Cargo Development Directorate hinges on sustained discipline and transparency.
Cold chains must remain uninterrupted. Clearance corridors must resist bureaucratic rent-seeking. Benefits must extend beyond urban exporters to rural producers. Only then can agricultural export reforms translate into measurable economic gains.
Encouragingly, early structural steps signal intent. Dedicated facilities, broader stakeholder engagement, and revenue restructuring reflect serious groundwork. However, consistent monitoring and public accountability will determine durability.
Pam Dachung sent this piece from the Plateau
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