The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria Capt. Rabiu Yadudu has thrown his weight behind the first international aviation cargo conference Chinet ’21, organisers of the event, Atqnews has said.
The Publisher of Atqnews, Ambassador Ikechi Uko said that the support of some Nigerian government agencies for the conference slated for August, 2021 in Lagos 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% 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?” he asked.
According to Ambassador Uko, Nigeria is a country of over 200 million resourceful people that has depended a lot on imported goods, which has been eroding the 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. Chinet Aviation Cargo Conference will be an annual conference that brings all potential exporters; cargo managers, logistics firms, airlines, airport, customs and everyone in the aviation and cargo ecosystem to chart a pathway that enables Nigerians export more. We have already engaged stakeholders in Nigeria and abroad to find a profitable route to growing and networking the value Chain.”
Ambassador Uko explained that with Covid-19 many countries responded to the emerging global dynamics by seeking new supply partners for basic goods. This new reality, he noted, has redefined the global supply chain, adding that Nigeria needs to play a part in the emerging new cargo ecosystem.
The conference, he said would bring global experts to Nigeria to help exporters take advantage of the emerging scenario to grow its export capabilities. The Six areas that will be discussed by the experts include aviation capacity utilization, export opportunities, financing and insurance, regulation and standards, packaging and market access.
