Nigeria’s export potential to the United Kingdom is gaining momentum, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) projecting significant growth as bilateral trade climbs to £8.1 billion.
This optimism was expressed at a forum hosted by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, where FAAN’s managing director, Olubunmi Kuku—represented by the director of Cargo Development and Services, Lekan Thomas—outlined rising trade volumes and expanding opportunities within the aviation sector.
According to Thomas, Nigeria–UK trade recorded an 11.4 per cent year-on-year increase, with UK imports from Nigeria standing at £2.4 billion. He noted that even a modest 1 to 5 per cent increase in exports could generate between $25 million and $125 million in additional revenue for Nigeria.
He further highlighted the United Kingdom’s policy shift granting duty-free or reduced tariffs on over 3,000 Nigerian products as a major boost for exporters, particularly across agriculture, manufacturing, and emerging industries.
Thomas also pointed to strong government backing for aviation reforms, citing recent engagements led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, which he said have helped restore investor confidence and deepen bilateral cooperation.
FAAN, he added, is already implementing infrastructure upgrades, deploying digital cargo systems, and introducing incentives aimed at attracting more cargo airlines. These efforts are designed to position Nigeria as a major player in the global air freight market.
“With the right systems in place, Nigeria is well-positioned to scale exports, deepen trade with the UK, and emerge as a leading air cargo hub in Africa,” Thomas said.
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