Nigeria’s GIG Logistics launches in UK, Eyes more Cross-border Deliveries

Nigerian logistics giant, GIG Logistics (GIGL), recently announced its expansion to Colchester, Essex, in the UK. With the company already operating in Nigeria, Houston, Texas, and Ghana, the expansion into Essex will come as an enhancement in service delivery and profit margin for the company.

According to Ariyo Oluboye, Director, Overseas Operations, GIGL, trade barriers in Nigeria will be limited by the company as it plans to ease deliveries within the region and across the continent.

Although GIGL is fully incorporated in the United Kingdom, it still plans to run its services digitally. According to Ariyo, opening in the UK aligns with the company’s goal to be an African brand playing at the global stage in terms of logistics service delivery.

The expansion into the UK comes as a result of the company’s awareness that the majority of goods coming into Nigeria are from the UK and so its operation in the UK will boost commerce for both countries. According to Statista, UK exports to Nigeria in 2019 stood at $1.67 billion. Interestingly, mineral fuels (petroleum and natural gas) and lubricants were among the most exported goods from the UK to Nigeria, valued at $408 million.

According to Ariyo, last-mile delivery of goods has been complex for Africans and this has been a barrier for small businesses in the region from connecting with the rest of the world. This development will act as a catalyst for more businesses in Africa to engage in commerce with the outside world. Ariyo has also confirmed that China will be the next target for expansion as the country is one of Africa’s highest trade partners.