Nigeria is negotiating direct cargo flight operations between China and the Southeast via Enugu, with plans to commence before the end of the year, according to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Speaking on Thursday during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines, Keyamo revealed that the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, into Enugu is targeted for December 2024.
Details of the Cargo Flight Initiative
“Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu. We are targeting December for the maiden flight. This will allow our Southeast merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to hubs like Onitsha and Aba,” Keyamo said. He noted that the plan aims to improve trade logistics and strengthen commercial activities in the region.
Enugu Airport as a Cargo Hub
Keyamo stated that the Enugu International Airport is being repositioned as a cargo hub for the Southeast under a new operational framework involving private-sector participation. “One of our prides in the South is the Enugu International Airport. The Enugu governor approached Mr President, noting that the airport was not maximising its economic potential under standard bureaucratic structures, and requested to bring in private investors to run it. Mr President gave the green light,” Keyamo explained. “As I speak with you, Enugu airport is now fully privately owned and run under the direction of the state government, with the clear objective of turning it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire Southeast,” he added.
Abia State International Airport Progress
Keyamo also provided an update on the Abia State International Airport in Umuahia, stating that construction work on the runway is at an advanced stage. The project began as a basic airstrip but was expanded into a full international airport with federal approval and increased state funding. “The first thing we did when we came to power was that I went to Mr President and said, ‘Abia does not have an airstrip or airport in the whole of the South.’ He was surprised, and we ensured it was captured as one of our first critical projects in the 2024 budget,” Keyamo said. He credited Abia State Governor Alex Otti for boosting the project’s scope and funding, noting that the state has injected its counterpart funding ahead of the federal allocation. Governor Otti expressed hope that United Nigeria Airlines would establish a major operational base at the airport upon completion.
Support for Domestic Airlines
Keyamo said the Federal Government is introducing measures to strengthen domestic airlines and expand their access to international routes. “We are giving United Nigeria Airlines fruitful reciprocal routes, including New York, Canada, and Dubai. We are only looking for the equipment to run these routes right now,” he said. He also announced that the government has approved the establishment of a state-backed leasing company to support local airlines’ aircraft acquisition. “I went to Mr President to advocate for local operators who face strict international leasing hurdles. He has formally approved the establishment of the Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company. This company will exist solely to bring in aircraft under a solid government guarantee through private dry-lease agreements, which will then be sub-leased directly to our domestic airlines. We are already in the process of taking this,” Keyamo concluded.
