FedEx Fully Enters Nigerian Market to Meet International Shipping Demands

By Adedapo Adesanya

FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, has announced establishing a direct commercial presence in Nigeria to meet the country’s growing international shipping demands.

Although FedEx has been facilitating trade in Nigeria since 1994, offering its international solutions through Red Star Express Plc; with this latest initiative, FedEx will continue to leverage the capabilities and infrastructure of the service provider, Red Star Express Plc, that will continue to provide pick-ups, deliveries, customs clearance services, and retail locations across the country.

In a press release seen by Business Post on Wednesday, the company said that with a direct presence in the country, businesses and customers in Nigeria now have greater access to a wider portfolio of FedEx Express shipping solutions, while Red Star Express continues to provide the infrastructure for ground operations.

The statement noted that, “Customers will also have access to a range of FedEx digital tools that make shipping easier and more efficient through its website. These services include opening a new account, tracking shipment status, creating shipping air waybills, scheduling courier pickups, and managing billing.”

With the direct presence, FedEx will now have dedicated Sales and Customer Technology teams on the ground to interact and provide enhanced logistics expertise to help local businesses grow internationally.

Speaking on this, Mr Taarek Hinedi, vice president for FedEx Middle East and Africa operations, said, “Today we are closer to our customers than ever before. This strategic step makes it easier for local businesses to ship with us as they look to tap more import and export opportunities and grow their customers around the world.”

“Nigeria is on the right path for further growth, and FedEx is committed to supporting this growth and connecting Nigeria to some of the biggest trading partners located in Asia and Europe. The FedEx network is crucial to provide businesses with greater connectivity between Africa and Europe as well as within the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA) region,” said Mr Hinedi.

“As Nigeria continues with its 2021 to 2025 National Development Plan to increase the share of its exports to Africa up to 35 per cent from a base figure of 20 per cent, businesses will require a range of international services and solutions to help boost the economy,” he added.

FedEx also said it remains committed to supporting the Nigerian government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) to drive structural reforms to diversify its economy and reduce dependency on oil.

The FedEx direct presence in the country will help connect Nigerian business owners, exporters, importers, and consumers to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, covering more than 99 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product.