The Nigerian government launched a cargo corridor to give Nigerian exporters access to markets in East and Southern Africa.
The Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor is an export initiative under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It will operate from Abuja and Lagos, and target markets in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa.
Exporters will enjoy a reduction in logistics costs through discounted air cargo rates of between 50 to 75 percent.
The initiative’s first cargo shipment was dispatched and included an assortment of goods, including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories and agro-processed goods.
In a statement, the government said the initiative was proof of its commitment to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across Africa with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery times and reduced risk.
“This initiative marks the fulfillment of a key campaign by President Bola Tinubu to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” the statement read in part.
The government added that it will continue working to position Nigeria as an active participant in the AfCFTA, and a leader in shaping and advancing the agreement’s implementation.
