Chairman of the Aviacargo Roadmap Development Committee, Ikechi Uko voiced concerns about Nigeria’s air cargo industry.
He laments, “Our goods are rotting despite having many cargo airports in Nigeria.”
During a tour of Sam Mbakwe Int’l Cargo Airport, he emphasised the committee’s mission to identify challenges and potential in cargo airports nationwide.
Uko highlighted the disparity in yam production, noting, “71% of yam in Africa is produced by Nigeria, but Ghana exports 95% of all yam exports to Africa, producing only 11%.”
He underscored the need to leverage Nigeria’s cargo airports for effective domestic distribution, stating, “Without domestic cargo, we cannot do international cargo export.”
Airport Manager Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi welcomed the committee, stating that Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport is strategically located near Ariaria and Aba Markets.
She affirmed, “The airport can execute cargo operations successfully.”
Ndudinachi also mentioned ongoing projects, stating, “By this October, installation of the Airfield Light (AFL) on the runways would be completed as it is a priority project.”
