Ken Okeke
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has predicted that Nigeria’s export potential to the United Kingdom would rise significantly following rising trade volumes and new market opportunities within the aviation sector.
Speaking at a forum hosted by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, represented by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas, highlighted encouraging trade figures and policy support driving the aviation corridor.
According to him, Nigeria-UK trade reached £8.1 billion, recording an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase, while UK imports from Nigeria stood at £2.4 billion. He noted that even a modest 1–5 per cent increase in exports could generate an additional $25–125 million in revenue.
Thomas also pointed to the United Kingdom’s decision to grant duty-free or reduced tariffs on over 3,000 Nigerian products as a major opportunity for exporters, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging sectors.
He further emphasized strong government backing for aviation reforms, citing recent engagements led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, which have helped restore investor confidence and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
FAAN, he said, is already advancing infrastructure upgrades, digital cargo systems, and incentives to attract more cargo airlines, positioning Nigeria to capture a larger share of the global air freight market.
“With the right systems in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to scale exports, deepen trade with the UK, and become a leading air cargo hub in Africa,” Thomas said.