We are Spearheading Cargo Development in Nigeria, Says FAAN

Saleh Dunoma

Martha Momoh

The Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma has said the Authority would support any effort aimed at maximising the potential in the country’s air cargo sector.

He noted that the volume of high-value, time-sensitive products traversing national and international boundaries by air is increasing geometrically across the globe, consequently creating increased opportunities for trade and economic development, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
Dunoma made this remark during the Nigerian Air Cargo Summit organised by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Cargo (NAHCO) at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja.

He said the quest to maximise these potentials has led to the remodelling of designated perishable cargo airports across the country, adding that the aviation sub-sector of the aviation industry in Nigeria is an investment haven as the nation’s growing economy and the new emphasis on agriculture would multiply both import and export of products from the country.

According to Dunoma, “A recent IATA report suggested that cargo volumes are expected to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2015, as compared to the time when air cargo business faced weak markets and increasing competition since 2011’’.
The Managing Director, who was represented by FAAN’s Director of Cargo Development, Dr Uche Ofulue, therefore called on all private investors and stakeholders in the aviation industry to reach out and showcase the rich potential of Nigeria to the world by keying into the opportunities available in the country’s air cargo industry.

"Some strategic airports in Nigeria including Akure, Makurdi, Minna, Abuja, Owerri, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Uyo, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt have been designated freshand dry cargo airports, for the direct exportation of fresh agricultural produce from surrounding local communities to markets in Europe, the United States of America and other countries across the world", Dunoma said.

He further explained that work has already started on some of these cargo terminals at some airports across the country.