FAAN Opens New Domestic Cargo Terminal at Lagos Airport to Boost Aviation Logistics
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially launched a new domestic cargo handling terminal at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) in Lagos. This new terminal is part of FAAN’s broader plan to upgrade Nigeria’s aviation logistics and improve the way goods are moved by air within the country.
The opening ceremony took place on Friday, May 9, 2025, and was led by FAAN’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, who was represented at the event by Ms. Joy Agunbiade, the Director of Commercial and Business Development.
Why FAAN Built a New Cargo Facility
FAAN explained that the new cargo terminal was designed to help solve ongoing challenges in the way local air cargo is processed and transported. These problems have affected businesses, especially those that rely on the quick movement of agricultural products and e-commerce goods.
The cargo terminal aims to bring the following improvements:
Better efficiency in how goods are handled
Increased capacity to move more cargo at a time
Improved safety and reliability for cargo movement
Faster processing times, making goods reach their destinations more quickly
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Market
According to a statement signed by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the need for a better cargo terminal became urgent due to the rising volume of online shopping (e-commerce) and an increase in the export of farm produce from Nigeria.
These developments have put pressure on existing cargo facilities, which were no longer able to handle the growing demand effectively. The new terminal will help remove bottlenecks (delays or blockages) in the system, so goods can be moved faster and more smoothly across the country.
A Big Step Toward Stronger National Logistics
The new facility is part of a wider national project to improve air cargo services. This project is supported by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and carried out through the Directorate of Cargo Development and Services, which is led by Mr. Lekan Thomas.
FAAN also announced that similar cargo terminals will be developed in other major cities, including:
Abuja
Kano
Jos
Niger
Port Harcourt
By spreading this infrastructure across Nigeria, FAAN hopes to create a strong national air cargo network that can support businesses in many sectors especially agriculture, manufacturing, and online trade.
A Modern Terminal for a Growing Economy
FAAN emphasized that this new cargo facility will help modernize Nigeria’s domestic logistics. It is built with the latest technology to make sure cargo operations are safe, secure, and fast.
The terminal also strengthens Lagos’ role as a central hub for air cargo in Nigeria. As more businesses depend on fast delivery, both inside and outside the country, the terminal is expected to become a key part of supply chains that help the economy grow.
What This Means for Businesses and Exporters
For farmers, exporters, and delivery companies, the new cargo terminal offers:
Faster clearance of goods
Less delay in moving perishable items like fruits and vegetables
Easier connections to other regions in Nigeria
With better logistics, small and large businesses can move goods quicker and serve their customers better, both within Nigeria and to other countries.
Conclusion
The commissioning of this new cargo terminal at Lagos GAT is a major achievement for FAAN and for Nigeria’s aviation industry. It shows the government’s focus on supporting economic growth through efficient and reliable transport systems. As more terminals open across Nigeria, the country’s ability to compete in regional and global markets will also improve.
