The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt Rabiu Yadudu has thrown his weight behind the first International Aviation Cargo Conference code named, Chinet 21
This was made known in a press statement by the organisers of the event, Atqnews.
Speaking on the conference, the publisher of Atqnews, Ambassador Ikechi Uko said that support from some Nigerian government agencies is a very welcome development.
“Nigeria has suffered for the first time in a decade, a massive trade deficit according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Exports grew by 6 percent but still less than imports. This deficit can be seen at the airports every day. “The Question is, why is Nigeria not exporting goods in large quantities? Nigeria is a country of over 200 million resourceful people that has dependent a lot on imported goods. This has been eroding our national wealth.
“A lot of airlines bring freighters daily to Nigeria and most of them fly out empty. There is a need to change this dysfunctional scenario,” Uko noted.
Chinet Aviation Cargo Conference which would be held in August 2021 in Lagos, will be an annual event expected to bring potential exporters, cargo managers, logistics firms, airlines, airport, customs and everyone in the aviation and cargo ecosystem and chart a pathway that would encourage more exports from Nigeria.
Uko added, “We have already engaged stakeholders in Nigeria and abroad to find a profitable routes to growing and networking the value chain.”
He also explained that with COVID-19, many countries responded to the emerging global dynamics by seeking new supply partners for basic goods. This new reality has redefined the global supply chain. Nigeria needs to play a part in the emerging cargo ecosystem.
The Conference, he said would bring global experts to Nigeria to help exporters take advantages of the emerging scenario to grow export capabilities.
The six areas that would be discussed by the experts, according to the organisers, include: Aviation capacity utilization, Export opportunitie, Financing and Insurance, regulation and Standards, packaging and market access.
In his message Captain Yadudu congratulated the organisers for such a bold move which he noted would help grow the industry.
Many airports and airlines are adjusting their processes to take advantage of the emerging cargo boom globally.
The organisers added that speakers and major players in the industry have been lined up and many more are expected to join the line up this is according to the organisers.
Ambassador Uko said that partnership has been built across the board to make this event a huge Success.
“As passenger figures went down with COVID-19 pandemic cargo numbers went up and this is an opportunity for Nigeria to Play”
Atqnews is an African news leader in Aviation,travel and tourism. For 16 Years it has partnered with the biggest travel exhibitions in West Africa including Accra Weizo in Ghana and Akwaaba Travel Market in Lagos.
