Arthur Richard
Distinguished Guests, Industry Leaders, Professionals, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as the special guest of honour at the 4th Chinet Aviacargo Conference. This gathering is a testament to the shared vision and relentless commitment of all stakeholders to propel Nigeria’s aviation and cargo sectors to unprecedented heights. I extend my heartfelt commendation to the organisers of this prestigious conference, particularly Chinet, for their pivotal role in advancing the Aviacargo industry in Nigeria. Your efforts have not only fostered collaboration but also set a clear path for the sustainable growth of this vital sector.
As we convene here today, we are united by a common goal, to unlock the full potential of the air cargo sector in Nigeria and transform our nation into the cargo hub of West Africa. This vision is not just an aspiration but a strategic imperative that will drive economic growth, create jobs and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global logistics and supply chain ecosystem. Recognizing the immense opportunities within the cargo sector, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has taken proactive steps to ensure that Nigeria does not just participate in the global cargo market but leads it. To this end, we have established a dedicated Cargo Directorate within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria[FAAN].
This directorate is tasked with implementing far-reaching policies and programs that will catalyze the growth of our air cargo industry. These initiatives are designed to streamline operations, enhance infrastructure, and foster partnerships that will make our airports and logistics hubs the preferred gateways for cargo in the region. A vibrant cargo sector offers numerous benefits to our economy. It is a critical enabler of trade, facilitating the efficient movement of goods across borders and opening up new markets for Nigerian products. With the right infrastructure and regulatory environment, our agricultural export, for example, can reach global markets faster, fresher, and more competitively.
Furthermore, a robust cargo industry will stimulate the growth of ancillary services, from warehousing to logistics, creating a ripple effect of economic activities that will significantly contribute to our GDP. The realization of this vision, however, requires more than just policy frameworks, it necessitates the active collaboration of all stakeholders. I am optimistic that with the support of industry leaders, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and international partners, we can drive the cargo industry into a multi-billion-dollar sector that will be the pride of our nation. This conference is a crucial platform for forging such partnerships and aligning our strategies with global best practices.
I expect that the discussions and deliberations at this conference will not only highlight the challenges we face but also propose innovative solutions that will accelerate the growth of the Aviacargo sector in Nigeria. I urge all participants to engage in open dialogue, share your expertise and collaborate on actionable plan that will move us closer to our shared vision. Finally, I would like to reiterate the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of the air cargo sector. Together, let us build a thriving industry that will not only boost our economy but also place Nigeria at the forefront of global cargo and logistics.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and productive conference.
Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb [UK]
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
