In a move aimed at boosting Nigeria’s intra-African trade footprint, the Federal Government has launched a strategic partnership with Uganda Airlines to ease the movement of goods from Nigeria to key African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Announced on Sunday, the new initiative will slash air cargo rates by 50–75 percent, a cost cut that also includes reductions in regulatory charges.
The air corridor will link Nigerian exporters to three major trade hubs on the continent: Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed the development via her official X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting it as a “bold new pathway” to enhance Nigeria’s trade access under the AfCFTA.
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According to Oduwole, the trade corridor officially launched on Sunday and is expected to facilitate the export of textiles, cosmetics, agro-products, bags, and other locally made goods, helping Nigerian businesses compete more effectively across the African market.
The government also confirmed that AfCFTA tariffs have now been gazetted, paving the way for lower trade costs for Nigerian exporters.
This move aligns with broader efforts by the Nigerian government to diversify exports, reduce dependency on traditional markets, and deepen economic integration with other African nations through improved logistics and market access.