The Role of Air Cargo Services in the Development of West Africa

West Africa generally, and Nigeria in particular, have both historical and socio-economic reasons for their underdeveloped status. The developing oil industry and abrupt alterations in price structure since 1973 have resulted in greatly expanded imports and extended delays at ports which have long been inadequate. Heavy demurrage and insurance costs for delayed ships have made air cargo rates quite competitive for many items and may be setting a pattern for the role of air cargo in the development of nations having similarly poor surface transportation facilities.