A new chapter in Nigeria’s aviation and logistics sector unfolded with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art domestic cargo terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The facility, built and inaugurated under the leadership of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), is being heralded as a transformative step for Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, aimed at boosting both domestic logistics and international cargo throughput.
At the heart of this initiative lies the vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, whose restructuring of the sector in 2023 led to the establishment of the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services.
The move was part of a broader strategy to reposition aviation as a catalyst for economic growth. With this new terminal, that vision is beginning to take material form.
The newly unveiled domestic cargo shed is more than just a logistics structure, it is a symbol of purposeful collaboration and a signal of Nigeria’s readiness to compete on a global scale.
FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, described the development as a “gateway to efficiency, speed, and scalable logistics.”
She emphasized that the terminal reflects not only infrastructural advancement but also a shift in how cargo operations are envisioned in the country, streamlined, export-oriented, and future-facing.
“Cargo movement is the lifeblood of commerce. As e-commerce expands and agricultural exports surge, the demand for reliable and secure cargo logistics has never been greater. This facility is designed to meet that demand and propel us forward.”
She lauded the warehouse’s potential to enhance trade efficiency and position Lagos—already the economic engine of the nation, as a dominant logistics hub.
The Director of Cargo Development Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, reaffirmed the national significance of the new cargo shed, situating it within the broader economic agenda of the federal government.
He referenced Nigeria’s impressive air freight performance in 2023, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reporting over 174,000 metric tonnes handled, and predicted steady growth driven by trade liberalization and industrial expansion.
“This facility is not just a brick-and-mortar structure. It is a living testament to vision, collaboration, and execution. It’s the first purpose-built domestic cargo shed by FAAN, and it sets a new benchmark for operational efficiency.”
According to Thomas, the goal is to create a network of similar hubs nationwide, in cities like Abuja, Kano, Jos, and Minna—to decentralize and improve the flow of goods across Nigeria.
While the immediate benefits of the new terminal include reduced delays and optimized cargo handling for businesses, the long-term impact is aimed at attracting greater volumes of both domestic and international freight.
The FAAN leadership sees this as part of a broader logistics revolution that will not only fuel Nigeria’s economy but also align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving the nation toward a trillion-dollar economy.
Kuku credited the success of the project to the teamwork and dedication of various stakeholders, including the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, the Regional General Manager, and the many FAAN staff who saw the vision through to reality.
“We are witnessing what happens when innovation meets purpose,” she said.
Looking ahead, both Kuku and Thomas made it clear that this terminal is only the beginning.
Plans are already underway to expand cargo infrastructure across the country, ensuring that aviation continues to serve as a driver, not a bottleneck, of national development.
As the ribbon was cut and operations set to kick start shortly, the mood was one of optimism and determination.
The Lagos domestic cargo terminal stands not just as a physical structure, but as a landmark in Nigeria’s journey toward a more efficient, connected, and globally competitive logistics ecosystem.
