Plans to reposition Dutse International Airport as a key logistics gateway have advanced after the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) approved the installation of cargo handling facilities at the airport.
The Jigawa State Government confirmed the approval through Governor Umar Namadi, who disclosed the development during a technical visit by officials of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). The visit focused on evaluating airport systems ahead of expanded operations.
According to the governor, the clearance from FAAN allows the state to move from planning to implementation, opening the door for cargo aircraft operations at Dutse Airport. The initiative forms part of a long-term strategy to support trade, improve supply chains, and strengthen economic activity within the state and surrounding regions.
NAMA officials involved in the exercise explained that their assignment included the inspection and calibration of navigational aids and communication equipment. These checks are necessary to confirm that the airport complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements, especially as it prepares for cargo-related activities.
Governor Namadi reiterated that safety, efficiency, and compliance with international standards remain central to the project. He noted that transforming Dutse Airport into a cargo hub would not only expand its operational scope but also create new opportunities for businesses that rely on air freight.
The approval is expected to fast-track infrastructure upgrades and attract logistics operators, helping reduce delays associated with moving goods across northern Nigeria.
The development comes against the backdrop of recent changes to cargo charges at FAAN-managed airports nationwide. In January, FAAN announced an increase in cargo port charges, the first in nearly 20 years, to support infrastructure improvements such as runway lighting, apron rehabilitation, access roads, and digital upgrades. Following feedback from industry stakeholders, the charge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was adjusted to ₦15 per kilogram, while other airports continue to operate under the revised tariff structure.
Nigeria’s air freight industry, valued at over $8 billion, is driven largely by e-commerce growth, SME exports, and international shipments. Despite this growth, operators continue to face challenges including processing delays, fragmented last-mile delivery systems, and high operating costs.
Experts argue that investments in airport cargo facilities, digitisation, and coordinated logistics systems such as the project underway in Dutse, are critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
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