The Managing Director of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority (ENSIDA), Dr. Kenechukwu Nnamani, has linked ongoing investment engagements between Enugu State and Chinese business interests to plans for the commencement of direct cargo flights between China and the South-East region through Enugu.

The development follows recent remarks by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who disclosed that negotiations were underway to begin direct cargo flight operations from China to Enugu before the end of the year.

Speaking with journalists, Nnamani said discussions on the proposed cargo route gained momentum following investment outreach efforts undertaken by ENSIDA in China.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the administration’s broader objective of attracting investment and strengthening trade infrastructure in Enugu State.

“Our commitment to bringing investment opportunities to Enugu, as directed by Governor Peter Mbah, is beginning to produce tangible outcomes. The announcement by the Minister is a significant indication that those efforts are yielding results,” Nnamani said.

He further revealed that negotiations were ongoing to establish a direct cargo connection between Guangzhou, China, and Enugu, a move he said could significantly improve supply chains for traders across the South-East.

“The Aviation Minister, just two days ago, the Enugu Governor and himself were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu. We have also been actively involved in these efforts,” he said.

According to Nnamani, the proposed route would enable South-East traders and merchants operating in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts and transport them directly to Enugu twice weekly.

“This will allow our South-East merchants and traders in China to consolidate their goods into unified cargo accounts twice a week, flying straight into Enugu for seamless delivery to commercial hubs such as Onitsha and Aba,” he stated.

He added that the state government was positioning the airport as a major logistics and cargo hub for the region.

“As I speak with you, Enugu Airport is now fully managed under the direction of the state government, with the clear objective of transforming it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire South-East,” Nnamani said.

He noted that the planned cargo operations form part of broader efforts by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah to enhance trade, improve logistics infrastructure and position Enugu as a key gateway for commerce and investment in the South-East.