Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku has called for accelerated implementation of the Air Cargo Roadmap being putting together by the Aviacargo Roadmap Committee.
She made the remark during a meeting with the Aviacargo Roadmap Committee at her office in Lagos recently. According to Mrs. Kuku, a faster implementation of the committee’s roadmap would go a long way reflecting government’s prioritization of the Air Cargo sector and as well demonstrate FAAN’s renewed dedication to achieving the project’s goals promptly.
“Give me a quicker schedule of implementation. Air Cargo is of great importance to this government. We want things done a little faster.” She stated.
The MD commended the members of the Roadmap Committee for their passion and perseverance to stay the course thus far and encouraged them to fasten the speed of the project now that FAAN has reinforced its support for the project. nShe received the team along with FAAN Directors of Special Duties, Director of Legal Services and the Director of Cargo Development and Services.
The Roadmap team comprising members of the lead team and representatives of NAQS, SON, NAGAFF, Link Global, NAHCO and ANLCA was established in December 202. Led by its coordinator Mr. Ikechi Uko, the committee aims to propel Nigeria’s Air Cargo industry from its current 5th position in Africa to the top spot on the continent.
The project according to him had experienced delays due to three changes in FAAN’s Chief Executives within a year, with Mrs. Kuku taking over in December 2023. These transitions he explained disrupted the project, pausing meetings until the new FAAN team was fully operational. He noted however, that several Committee suggestions already had been implemented including the creation of a new Directorate of Cargo Development and Services.
A major outcome of the Committee’s meeting with the FAAN Boss was the launch of a pilot project for exports through four selected airports, including two trial runs of perishable goods export from harvesting at the farm through Lagos Airport within a timeline of less than 24 hours. Additionally, a trial run of cereals through Kano Airport, as well as exports through Enugu Airport and Jos Airport is set to be initiated within the same timeline.
These trial runs according to Mr. Ikechi Uko are designed to test the effectiveness of the Air Cargo Pathway developed by the Roadmap Committee. They will involve stakeholders from the entire Air Cargo Ecosystem, including other government agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Nigerian Customs Service.
To strategize and fast-track the implementation of these trial runs, a sub-committee headed by a NAQS representative was also established. The sub-committee has been given two weeks to submit its report.
