The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that Nigeria is in talks to launch direct cargo flight services between China and the South-east region through Enugu, with operations expected to commence before the end of the year.
Keyamo made this known on Thursday during the unveiling ceremony of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft recently acquired by United Nigeria Airlines.
According to the minister, discussions are already underway to establish the first direct cargo route from Guangzhou, China, to Enugu, with December set as the target for the inaugural flight.
He explained that the initiative would greatly benefit traders and business owners from the South-east who currently source goods from China. Under the proposed arrangement, merchants will be able to consolidate shipments into shared cargo consignments twice weekly for direct delivery into Enugu, making distribution to major commercial hubs such as Onitsha and Aba faster and more efficient.
Keyamo said the project is designed to improve logistics, reduce delivery delays, and boost commercial activities across the region.
He further disclosed that the Akanu Ibiam International Airport is undergoing major restructuring to serve as the South-east’s primary cargo hub, with a new operational model driven by private-sector investment.
According to him, the Enugu State government approached President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that the airport had not reached its full economic potential under traditional bureaucratic management and proposing private-sector participation to unlock growth. The President approved the request.
Keyamo stated that the airport is now fully operated under a private ownership model supervised by the state government, with the goal of transforming it into a strategic cargo centre for the entire South-east.
Speaking on aviation infrastructure in Abia State, the minister also said construction of the runway at the proposed Abia State International Airport in Umuahia has reached an advanced stage.
He noted that the project was initially conceived as a simple airstrip but later expanded into a full international airport after federal approval and increased funding from the state government.
Keyamo explained that one of the early aviation priorities of the current administration was ensuring Abia had an airport, given that the state previously had neither an airstrip nor a full airport facility.
He praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for committing substantial counterpart funding to upgrade the project beyond its original scope.
According to the minister, the Abia State government has invested significantly in the project, accelerating progress even ahead of the Federal Government’s funding release.
Governor Otti expressed optimism that United Nigeria Airlines would
