Nigeria’s domestic air cargo industry is suffering due to a lack of cargo aircraft for dedicated transport.

The general sales agents (GSAs) are only using belly aircraft to move cargoes as they seek a more coordinated air cargo development strategy.

According to the chief executive officer of Ehi Multi Systems Nig. Ltd., Lucky Omokhodion, the dependence of GSAs on passenger aircraft has limited the growth of the air cargo business in Nigeria.

He said investing in cargo aircraft was capital-intensive, but was a worthy cause.

“We do not have cargo flights; we only have passenger flights, and it is through the passenger flights that we take all cargoes across the nation.

“It became worrisome recently because Dana is not flying, and Arik had issues. These really brought the business to zero. Thankfully, Arik is back. Those are our major carriers.

“What an investor will be considering is how to transport goods at an acceptable rate, but the quantity should match what he will be spending on fuelling and other things.

“If a cargo aircraft takes goods to Abuja, for instance, it should be loaded with cargo back. The investor will be losing if it flies back empty or half-empty,” he said.

Mr Omokhodion said air cargo operators had lost customers because of the unavailability of cargo aircraft.

“Some customers have taken alternative means to transport their cargos,” he said.

According to him, fresh fruits and vegetables, among other perishable goods, from some states to another, have spoilt due to cancelled or delayed flights.

The chief operating officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, had called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to fully harness the country’s potential in the sector.

The executive director of operations, Skyway Aviation Handling Company, Herbert Odika, listed some challenges facing Nigeria’s air cargo industry. 

He said the challenges included fluctuation in aviation fuel prices, regulatory bottlenecks, inadequate storage facilities, and lack of advanced technology.

For smooth cargo export, Mr Odika recommended export regulations, encouragement of airlines and handling companies, and regular training of employees of handling companies and security personnel.

He said successful air cargo operation would require government agencies to work with the handlers while the handlers should regularly train and re-train their staff and be innovative.  

The group managing director and chief executive officer, Red Star Express, Auwalu Babura, said improved air cargo operation would positively affect Nigeria’s gross domestic product. 

According to Mr Babura, Nigeria needs $5 billion to fix infrastructure in 24 airports. 

The chairman of the Nigeria Aviation Awards, Fortune Idu, said the International Air Transport Association had identified a correlation between improved air cargo connectivity and higher total trade value.

“One per cent increase in cargo connectivity is associated with a 6.3 per cent increase in total exports and imports,” said Mr Idu.

Mr Idu urged the establishment of a framework for air cargo logistics that would examine the responsibilities of airports and various associates in the air cargo distribution link, as well as their operational readiness. 

(NAN)