The Federal Government of Nigeria is taking proactive steps to amplify the aviation industry’s role in bolstering the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through the augmentation of air cargo operations. As part of this initiative, an Avia-Cargo Committee convened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) conducted an inspection tour of Jos Airport in Plateau State.
In recent times, cargo exporters in Nigeria have largely bypassed the Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, a move that stakeholders perceive as detrimental to the nation’s agricultural produce sector.
Mr. Ikechi Uko, the Coordinator of the Avia-Cargo Committee, noted that Nigeria has lagged behind several other African countries, including Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, and Ethiopia, in terms of cargo exportation. This shortfall is incongruent with Nigeria’s abundant agricultural resources and skilled workforce.
Uko stressed the importance of identifying the factors that contributed to Nigeria’s decline in cargo exports. Jos Airport, once a leader in aviation cargo exports during the 1980s and 1990s in the North Central Zone, has experienced a significant reduction in activity. The committee’s tour aimed to understand the reasons behind this decline and provide insights for revitalizing the cargo export sector.
The federal government eagerly anticipates the committee’s findings, intending to implement strategic measures to revamp the cargo export industry.
Uko emphasized the vital role of Plateau State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” in Nigeria’s bid to become a top cargo exporter in Africa.
Uko outlined a series of challenges that have hindered cargo exports from Nigeria, including subpar packaging by exporters, excessive levies imposed by government agencies, and insufficient education. He posed pertinent questions such as the lack of airlines, logistical setbacks, or capacity issues that might have contributed to the decline.
Addressing the issue, Mr. Rindap Nantim, the General Manager of Jos Airport, FAAN, revealed that the airport’s former glory as a hub for cargo exports had faded over time. During the 1980s and 1990s, the airport played a pivotal role in shipping products like fresh flowers, mangoes, meat, and other agricultural produce across Nigeria and beyond. However, recent years have seen a decline in these activities, with products that were once abundant now no longer being exported via the airport.
Nantim emphasized FAAN’s renewed determination to restore the airport’s significance as a cargo hub for the North Central Zone. The Avia-Cargo Committee’s involvement is seen as a crucial step in realizing this vision. The overarching goal is to attract investors and encourage increased cargo operations, leveraging the available facilities at Jos Airport.
The government’s commitment to leveraging air cargo as a catalyst for economic growth underscores the importance of the aviation industry’s contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. By addressing challenges and reinvigorating key airports like Jos, Nigeria aims to reclaim its position as a dominant player in the African cargo export landscape.
