The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has projected increased export earnings to the United Kingdom, citing improved trade figures and expanding opportunities within the aviation cargo value chain.
Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented by the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr Lekan Thomas, made this known on Thursday at a forum organised by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce.
Thomas said that total trade between Nigeria and the UK rose to £8.1 billion, marking an 11.4 per cent year-on-year growth, while UK imports from Nigeria accounted for £2.4 billion.
He noted that incremental gains of between one and five per cent in export volumes could translate into an additional $25 million to $125 million in revenue.
He described the UK’s policy granting duty-free or reduced tariffs on more than 3,000 Nigerian products as a significant opening for exporters, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and other non-oil sectors.
The FAAN official also highlighted ongoing reforms in the aviation sector, backed by the Federal Government, noting that recent engagements led by President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, have helped improve investor confidence and deepen bilateral ties.
According to him, FAAN is strengthening cargo operations through infrastructure modernisation, deployment of digital systems, and incentives designed to attract additional cargo airlines into the Nigerian market.
He expressed optimism that with sustained reforms and improved logistics, Nigeria could expand its export footprint, enhance trade with the UK, and position itself as a key air cargo hub on the African continent.
