Two years after foreign exchange constraints and trapped airline funds halted cargo freighter operations in Nigeria, major carriers have yet to resume service due to poor demand and profitability concerns, reported Lagos's BusinessDay.

Despite the federal government's efforts to clear US$743 million in outstanding dues, airlines have shifted to more lucrative markets. Cargo flights previously returned empty or diverted to other African countries, making operations unsustainable.

Kingsley Nwokoma, president of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, said airlines now rely on belly compartments of passenger aircraft for shipments. Occasional charter flights cover costs, but regular freighter traffic has vanished.

Cargolux, Saudi Cargo and Emirates Cargo have ceased operations in Nigeria. Turkish Airlines maintains limited service, sometimes unable to operate even one flight weekly.

Seyi Adewale, chief executive of Mainstream Cargo Limited, noted that traditional cargoes such as heavy equipment and oil and gas materials have shifted to sea freight or e-commerce. Only Allied Air and Turkish Airlines continue consistent freighter operations.

Mr Adewale added that Nigerians can no longer afford high air freight costs, citing the loss of easy access to foreign currency. The economic downturn has further dampened cargo volumes.

Ikechi Uko, convener of the CHINET aviation and cargo conference, said Nigeria's air cargo volumes have dropped to just over 100 tonnes, down from more than 200 tonnes previously, reflecting broader economic struggles.