Businesses to get 50% discount as FG, UNDP, Uganda Airlines launch African air cargo scheme

The ministry of industry, trade and investment, has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Uganda Airlines to inaugurate the Nigeria-east, southern Africa air cargo corridor.

Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of industry, trade and investment, spoke at the inauguration of Africa Day in Abuja on Sunday, according to NAN.

She said the corridor would serve as the new air cargo transformative export initiative under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, providing Nigerian exporters with access to three key African hubs —Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.

Oduwole said the air cargo rates are discounted between 50 to 75 percent in logistics cost, including regulatory charges.

“This initiative marks the fulfilment of a key campaign promise by President Bola Tinubu, to accelerate the diversification of Nigeria’s non-oil exports by leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” she said.

“The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian businesses in scaling their exports across the continent.

“Specifically designed to empower Nigerian enterprises, particularly Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

“This initiative enables them to expand into African markets with greater confidence, lower costs, faster delivery timelines, and reduced risk.”

Oduwole said the preferential cargo rates would apply to businesses affiliated with leading national business associations, including the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), among others.

“This will also ensure inclusive participation and coordinated implementation,” she said.

TINUBU APPROVES NIGERIA’S PROVISIONAL TARIFF CONCESSIONS

Oduwole said the milestone followed President Bola Tinubu’s approval and the gazetting of Nigeria’s provisional schedule of tariff concessions (PSTCs) in April.

“With support from the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, the Ministry has worked to position Nigeria not just as a participant in AfCFTA, but as a leader in shaping and advancing the agreement’s implementation,” she said.

“Operating from Lagos and Abuja, the corridor is backed by strong government collaboration.”

Oduwole commended the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, the minister of aviation, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

She said the inaugural cargo shipment featured a diverse basket of made-in-Nigeria products, including textiles, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and agro-processed goods.

The minister said the efforts marked the beginning of a new era for Nigerian exports into African markets, noting that all exporters on the historic flight were from women-owned businesses.

“These female entrepreneurs were recognised as pioneers, leading the charge in positioning Nigerian enterprises at the forefront of intra-African trade,” she said.

“AfCFTA tariffs are now gazetted, enabling Nigerian goods to benefit from lower tariffs across African markets.

“As we mark Africa Day, I want to especially commend and thank the indefatigable Nigerian businesses participating in this inaugural flight.”

Oduwole added that the administration will continue to stand with the businesses “as you take even bigger and bolder leaps to expand Nigeria’s footprint across the continent”.