Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), the operator of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), has launched a new 25-tonne cold storage facility aimed at enhancing air cargo capacity and belly cargo services. This facility, which is the first of its kind at a domestic airport in Nigeria, marks a significant step forward in the country’s aviation sector.

The newly unveiled cold storage is designed to accommodate perishable goods such as frozen meat, dairy products, plants, flowers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It offers a valuable service to customers, with BASL emphasizing its affordability and volume-based price reductions for users. The facility is a response to the increasing demand for efficient storage of temperature-sensitive products, which is critical for both domestic and international logistics.

Speaking at the unveiling, Remi Jibodu, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of BASL, expressed the company’s commitment to continuously upgrading its infrastructure to better serve its customers. “This 25-tonne cold storage facility is just the beginning. We plan to expand it to a 100-tonne capacity within the next two years, and possibly sooner,” Jibodu stated.

The investment in this facility is part of BASL’s broader strategy to address the undercapacity challenges in Nigeria’s cargo sector. Despite these challenges, BASL continues to handle 50 to 60 tonnes of cargo daily. The addition of this cold storage unit positions MMA2 as a strategic hub for cold cargo, addressing a critical need for reliable storage solutions for perishable goods.

Jibodu also highlighted the facility’s importance for international logistics, particularly for goods requiring temporary storage before being distributed across West Africa. This initiative underscores BASL’s role in driving innovation and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s aviation industry.