Role of airports in development of air cargo in Nigeria is pivotal to economic growth, prosperity- BASL COO
The Chief Operating Officer of Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited, BASL, Operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, (MMA2), Mr Remi Jibodu has said that the role of airports in the development of air cargo especially in Nigeria is pivotal to the nation’s economic growth and prosperity.
Speaking on the role of an airport in developing Air Cargo & Logistics in Nigeria at the recently concluded Chinet Aviacargo Conference held at Marriott Hotel in Ikeja Lagos, Jibodu noted that
by investing in infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, embracing technology, and fostering collaboration, the country can unlock the full potential of her domestic air cargo network.
He urged the stakeholders to work together to build a future where the nation’s domestic airports are beacons of efficiency, reliability, and excellence in air cargo operations.
He quoted nairametrics on the impact of Airport in the development of Air Cargo
In Q1 2024 by saying: “Nigeria’s air transport sector facilitated N55.32 billion in exports, accounting for 0.29% of the total export value (N19.167 trillion) as per NBS.Current annual E-commerce spending in Nigeria is estimated at $12 billion. Projected to reach $75 billion in revenues per annum by 2025.In 2021,Nigeria had a total of 217,814,391.95kg cargo traffic, which indicated 188,747,765.76kg for import and 29,066,626.19kg as export. Also, the figure showed a boost of 47.70% when compared with the 2020 figure”.
Jibodu stated that the Nigeria Air Freight Market size is estimated at USD 3.01 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 5.64 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.54% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
He identified the inherent problem of Air cargo in Nigeria to include:
Inadequate aircraft capacity (bell Cargo and freighter aircraft), Lack of Infrastructure – Poor investment, fragmented air cargo eco system: cargo supply chain, Lack of technological integration – i.e E-commerce, Non digitalization of cargo processes – non-transparency/touting.
Others are low market awareness of air cargo services – Mismatch of customer/pricing, lack of innovation and alignment with global trend and the proliferation of non-professionals in the sector
In the area of enforcing regulation, Jibodu noted that the provision of adequate infrastructure – Screen machine, creating an enabling market-place collaboration and partnership – creating synergy among airlines, ground handlers, and logistics companies Utilizing technology – digitalization of cargo eco system – Interline model with other transport sectors Support auxiliary cargo business ( Cold cargo) Adoption of concessionaires’ Model Data driven advisory – Enhancing connectivity through alignment of cargo along trade centers will help the the business grow.
He outlined the impact of Airport in the development of Air Cargo to include
Increase in revenue generation across board, high economic connectivity – strategic connectivity of trade Centre, enhancement of overall level of productivity Contribution to National economic growth – ( GDP stands at $252 Billion in 2024 compared with South Africa with $373 Billion).
Jibodu quoted IMF saying Job creation – (Unemployment rate in Nigeria stands at 22.6%.
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