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Sea Empowerment Research Centre (SEREC) has stated that the repositioning Nigeria’s air cargo governance is critical for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) competitiveness, trade facilitation and national economic growth.
SEREC said this in a policy brief issued by its Head of Research, Dr Eugene Nweke in Abuja.
Recall that FAAN had announced plans to review upwards air cargo handling and port charges, but it was strongly opposed by Freight forwarders and cargo agents before a compromise was reached on Monday.
Nweke said that in the evolving AfCFTA environment, air cargo played a decisive role in facilitating high-value and time-sensitive intra-African trade.
He said it also supported non-oil exports like agro-produce, pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods, while enabling Nigeria’s participation in regional value chains and enhancing national competitiveness relative to peer African aviation hubs.
“Globally, air cargo is increasingly recognised as critical trade infrastructure, not a subsidiary aviation function.
“Countries that succeed under AfCFTA will be those that minimise logistics costs, ensure predictability and operate trusted, secure supply chains,” he said.
According to him, the government should introduce AfCFTA-sensitive safeguards by protecting priority export sectors from excessive cost escalation during its implementation phase.
“Ensure aviation charges support, rather than undermine regional trade competitiveness.”
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