The Federal Government and RwandAir have launched an expanded air cargo corridor aimed at reducing export costs and strengthening intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, announced the initiative on Friday in Lagos during the flag-off of the first shipment under the expanded corridor. She said the project would lower freight costs for Nigerian exporters and improve access to key African markets, including Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The expanded route also provides additional cargo options to Nairobi in Kenya and Johannesburg in South Africa, widening export opportunities for businesses. Oduwole said cargo rates on RwandAir-operated routes have been reduced to below two dollars per kilogram, down from previous rates of between three and 10 dollars. She said exporters benefiting from the scheme must present an AfCFTA Certificate of Origin issued by the Nigeria Customs Service to access the discounted rates.
According to her, the initiative directly addresses high logistics costs that have long affected Nigerian exports by offering faster and more predictable shipping options. She added that the corridor, first introduced in 2025, recorded a 40 per cent increase in export volumes within its first year of operation. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the initiative aligns with efforts to promote a single African air transport market and improve connectivity across the continent.
He said ongoing reforms aim to remove barriers such as restrictive visa regimes and protectionist policies that limit free movement of goods and services in Africa. Keyamo also disclosed plans for new cargo flight operations between Guangzhou in China and Enugu by December to support trade flows and strengthen supply chains. The Nigeria Customs Service said the corridor will improve market access for exporters and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional trade.
Representatives from the Rwandan Embassy described the initiative as a practical step towards achieving AfCFTA goals and strengthening economic integration across Africa. Exporters expressed optimism that the corridor will reduce costs, improve efficiency and boost Nigeria’s participation in regional and continental trade.
