The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to support the growth of the air cargo sector on Nigeria.

In his keynote remarks at the 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference at Marriot Hotel in Lagos on Thursday, Keyamo who was represented by his Special Assistant on Service Delivery, Janet Oputa noted that with the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, Nigeria’s agricultural exports can reach global markets faster, fresher, and more competitively.

He added that a robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to country’s GDP.

Keyamo pointed out that the conference is a testament to the shared vision and relentless commitment of all stakeholders to propel Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sectors to unprecedented heights.

While commending the organizers of the Chinet conference for their pivotal role in advancing the Aviacargo industry in Nigeria, Keyamo stated that their efforts have not only fostered collaboration but also set a clear path for the sustainable growth of this vital sector.

He said: “As we convene here today, we are united by a common goal: to unlock the full potential of the air cargo sector in Nigeria and transform our nation into the cargo hub of West Africa. This vision is not just an aspiration but a strategic imperative that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global logistics and supply chain ecosystem”.

Keyamo explained that in recognizing the immense opportunities within the cargo sector, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has taken proactive steps to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it.

“To this end, we have established a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). This directorate is tasked with implementing far-reaching policies and programs that will catalyze the growth of our air cargo industry. These initiatives are designed to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region”‘ the Minister said.

He observed that a vibrant cargo sector offers numerous benefits to the nation’s economy, stressing that it is a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening up new markets for Nigerian products.

Keyamo stated that he realization of this vision requires more than just policy frameworks; but necessitates the active collaboration of all stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that with the support of industry leaders, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and international partners, they can drive the cargo industry into a multi-billion-dollar sector that will be the pride of our nation.

According to him, this conference is a crucial platform for forging such partnerships and aligning our strategies with global best practices.I expect that the discussions and deliberations at this conference will not only highlight the challenges we face but also propose innovative solutions that will accelerate the growth of the Aviacargo sector in Nigeria.

Keyamo urged all participants to engage in open dialogue, share their expertise, and collaborate on actionable plans that will move the country closer to her shared vision.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Technology called for the building of a thriving industry that will not only boost the nation’s economy but also place Nigeria at the forefront of global cargo and logistics.

In his welcome address, the organiser of the event, Ambassador Ikechi Uko noted that the conference is gradually changing the narrative in the aviation industry as it relates to aviacargo business.

He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, now has a directorate of cargo development which is not existing before now the Chinet Aviacargo Conference.

He said Chinet aviacargo conference has succeeded in bringing aviation and insurance industry together to constantly dialogue on the issue of aviation insurance.

Uko stated that the conference has also succeeded in mainstreaming the quarantine services by getting exporters to know the role the National Quarantine Services plays in ensuring Nigeria Agri products meet international certification and also insuring that goods are insured.