The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on 19 December that all Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport cargo flights have been temporarily suspended due to congestion.

The congestion is due to a backlog of cargo at the airport, caused by the freight terminal being closed for two weeks, earlier this month, by the Nigerian Customs Service. A notice to airmen (NOTAM) has been published by Nigeria’s Airspace Manager Agency. FAAN says on its Facebook page: “Airlines and importers are advised to make use of alternative airports.”

Port Harcourt International Airport is one alternative destination. Nigerian companies such as Primeport Logistics are working to promote Port Harcourt as a cargo gateway for the country and continent.