By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigerian cross-border logistics company, Cargoplug, is making inroads into the United Kingdom market with the launch of its first self-managed hub, which will allow the firm to manage operations directly, reducing delivery timelines whilst offering more affordable shipping rates.

According to a statement, the move comes in response to growing and evolving customer demands and the corresponding need to bolster its service offerings across the UK-Nigeria trade route.

As trade volumes and diaspora connections between Nigeria and the UK continue to surge, Cargoplug wants to capitalise on the opportunity while also tapping into initiatives like the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which is projected to further boost trade between the two nations.

With this expansion, Cargoplug, which is backed by Techstars D.C. Accelerator Program, supported by JP Morgan, strengthens its position as a key player in transatlantic logistics, delivering faster shipping, competitive rates, and smooth import-export services between Europe and both nations by air and sea.

Founded in Nigeria in 2013 by Mrs Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Mrs Ujama Akpata, Cargoplug (formerly Jand2Gidi) started with a mission to solve the everyday challenges people face when sending and receiving goods between the UK and Nigeria.

The duo created a solution that fixed the pain points experienced by individuals and businesses, ensuring a faster, transparent, more affordable, and reliable service banking on its proprietary technology to also serve B2B and B2B2C markets.

In addition, Cargoplug offers seamless API integrations with clients, including e-commerce platforms, logistics providers and global lifestyle brands. This enables clients to improve service delivery and revenue flows by offering the same value-added logistics services to their customers, spanning efficient cross-border and nationwide deliveries and covering everything from overseas pickup and customs clearing to insurance and last-mile delivery.

Also, the company has already fulfilled over 1 million packages in the past 12 years and is now one of the fastest-growing logistics partners for high-growth businesses in fashion, manufacturing, construction, procurement and oil services.

Mrs Fola-Ogunniya, co-founder at Cargoplug commented, “After over a decade of exponential growth through valued partnerships, we’re thrilled to launch our first self-run UK hub. This sees us doubling down on our commitment to being the go-to logistics firm for the movement of goods between the UK and Nigeria. This is a mission that originated after our firsthand experience of the challenges of costly, delayed, and opaque shipping fees, tariffs and processes after returning to Nigeria from studying in the UK. Establishing our on-the-ground presence here was the natural next step in our growth as a company, even as we now set sights on some of our other high traffic markets such as the US, Turkey and China”

“With our new UK hub, customers can now either drop off their goods, send them to us directly, or have us pick up from anywhere in the UK,” added Mrs Akpata, co-founder of Cargoplug. “We are now able to streamline operations and cut our prices, all while maintaining our reliable weekly Thursday dispatch and 7 to 10 working day delivery window. We look forward to better serving our growing customer base and delivering the trusted, seamless logistics experience Cargoplug is known for.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have signed a direct international mail partnership to boost delivery and ease bottlenecks around Nigerian logistics.

The Postmaster General of NIPOST, Mrs Tola Odeyemi, confirmed this agreement between both parties, describing its as a milestone in many years.

According to Mrs Odeyemi, NIPOST operated without any direct partnerships with international airlines, relying heavily on multiple third-party handlers, resulting in delays, higher costs, and uncertainty around the delivery of packages.

“With this new partnership, KLM will now handle our outbound international mail directly, with no middlemen involved,” she wrote in the announcement on X, formerly, known as Twitter, noting that the deal will bring faster and more reliable delivery, reduced risk of loss or damage, lower handling charges, and access to over 200 countries through KLM’s global network.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the national carrier of the Netherlands and offers services – passenger and cargoes – to 164 destinations worldwide and boasts about 116 aircrafts as of 2025.

“This breakthrough is possible because we have begun clearing longstanding debts owed to international carriers. We are actively working to rebuild global trust, and this partnership is only the first of many doors that will reopen,” she added.

She also noted that NIPOST is currently in strategic discussions with Ethiopian Airlines to serve African and Eastern routes, further strengthening the country’s regional and continental logistics framework.

“Our goal is clear and unwavering: to connect Nigeria regionally and globally, efficiently, securely, and affordably,” she noted.

The NIPOST chief also noted that the development serves as a major win for Nigerian businesses especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

According to her, some of the benefits cover those who export goods, or sell products online, as it introduces quicker, more affordable international shipping, greater peace of mind with improved reliability, and new potential to reach and grow in global markets.

“I remain grateful to the incredible teams working diligently behind the scenes, and to every Nigerian who continues to believe in our mission. We are not just delivering mail, we are delivering solutions and moving Nigeria forward,” she added.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Nigerian tourism sector is about to witness a sharp turnaround with a deal sealed between Emirates Airline and the federal government through the Ministry of Art Culture Tourism and the Creative Economy.

According to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Arabian Travel Market, the airline operator will use its influence in the global aviation market to attract international visitors to tourist sites in Nigeria.

It was learned that Emirates would help to promote inbound tourism to Nigeria from key markets on its network, encouraging travellers to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty, from sunlit coastlines to vibrant wetlands.

Also, both parties will develop programmes for trade partners, hoteliers and tour operators, to showcase the Heartbeat of Africa as well as exploring incentives, familiarisation trips and other marketing initiatives.

“Since resuming operations to Lagos in October 2024, we have focused on deepening our strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation, tourism and trade sectors.

“This partnership with the Nigerian Tourism Ministry solidifies our commitment to driving international travellers to experience the country’s fascinating history, its urban cities, the untapped, stunning natural world and, of course, the warm hospitality that characterizes Nigerian culture,” the Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline, Adnan Kazim, said.

In her remarks, the Minister of of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, said, “This partnership with Emirates marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tourism sector. It serves as a critical springboard for driving inbound tourism as we work towards delivering on our Destination 2030 Soft Power Initiative, endorsed by Mr President to position Nigeria as a global leader in culture, heritage, and creativity.

“Strengthening strategic alliances with international stakeholders like Emirates not only open new gateways for visitors but also empower local communities, stimulate economic growth, and showcase Nigeria’s extraordinary cultural tapestry to the world.”