Nigeria's Gateway Airport Set for First European Cargo Flight

A new chapter in African trade is about to unfold as Nigeria's Gateway International Airport prepares to receive its first cargo aircraft from Europe in the next month and a half.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the milestone during a visit to the Industrial Platform at Remo Free Trade Zone, located along the Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode Expressway. The timing couldn't be better for local farmers and manufacturers looking to expand their reach to international markets.

The airport's cargo operations will connect directly to a new agro-processing zone designed to turn raw agricultural materials into finished products ready for export. The zone already has several companies building facilities, with the first expected to open within months.

A new access road linking the Sagamu–Benin Expressway directly to the airport will soon open to the public. The straight road follows international aviation standards and cuts right through the processing zone, making it easier for businesses to move goods from production to shipment.

The Industrial Platform concept emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to boost food security and create jobs through local processing. Think of it as a mall for processing companies, where businesses can convert raw crops like cotton, cassava, and cocoa into finished goods under one roof.

The zone will include its own power supply, waste management, security, and administrative framework. One facility being built is set to become the world's largest cotton garment processing factory, promising thousands of new jobs for the region.

The Ripple Effect

This development represents more than just an airport expansion. It's creating an entire ecosystem where farmers can grow crops, processors can add value nearby, and exporters can ship finished products directly to European markets without the delays and costs of routing through Lagos.

The model has already worked in neighboring countries like Benin and Togo. Now Nigeria is bringing that success home, with international firms partnering with Ogun State to replicate their proven approach.

For small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs across the region, this infrastructure means access to global markets that were previously out of reach. A cassava farmer in Ogun State can now see their crop transformed into packaged products and flown to Europe within days, earning premium prices that stay in local communities.

The warehouse under construction spans 6,800 square meters, giving businesses the storage capacity they need to handle large export orders. Combined with the dedicated airport access, the setup eliminates major barriers that have kept African producers from competing globally.

Nigeria's push to build integrated processing zones shows how smart infrastructure investments can unlock opportunity for entire regions at once.