Bridging the UK-Nigeria Trade Corridor with Seamless Logistics.
After over a decade of bootstrapped growth and more than one million deliveries, Nigerian logistics startup Cargoplug is making a significant leap by establishing its first self-managed hub in the United Kingdom. This strategic move aims to streamline shipping operations between the UK and Nigeria, enhancing efficiency and customer trust in one of Africa’s busiest trade corridors.
A Decade of Growth Leading to International Expansion.
Founded in 2013 by Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata, Cargoplug—formerly known as Jand2Gidi—has built a reputation for reliable cross-border delivery services catering to both individual and business clients. The company’s decision to launch a self-managed hub in the UK comes as trade between the two nations continues to flourish, with bilateral trade volumes reaching £7 billion ($8.4 billion) in 2024.
After over a decade of growth through valued partnerships, we’re thrilled to launch our first self-run UK hub,” said Fola-Ogunniya. “This move underscores our commitment to being the go-to logistics firm for goods movement between the UK and Nigeria.
Positioning Amidst Competitive Landscape.
While competitors like Ghana-based Jetstream Africa and Nigerian digital freight forwarding company OnePort 365 have secured significant funding—$16 million and $5 million respectively—Cargoplug has distinguished itself through a focus on consumer and SME cross-border deliveries, particularly along the UK-Nigeria corridor. Unlike its competitors, which primarily target large-scale importers and exporters, Cargoplug has carved a niche around diaspora-driven parcel delivery and now serves B2B and B2B2C clients through API integrations.
The company’s recent entry into the Techstars Washington D.C. Accelerator Program, supported by JP Morgan, further solidifies its position as a key player in transatlantic logistics.
Implications for Nigerians.
For Nigerian businesses and consumers, Cargoplug’s UK expansion offers several benefits:
Reduced Delivery Timelines: By managing operations directly, Cargoplug can expedite shipping processes, ensuring faster delivery times.
Cost-Effective Shipping Rates: Direct management allows for more competitive pricing, making cross-border shipping more affordable.
Enhanced Reliability: A self-managed hub ensures greater control over logistics, leading to improved service reliability.
This development is particularly significant for Nigerian SMEs seeking to expand their reach to the UK market, as well as for individuals requiring dependable parcel delivery services.
Looking Ahead.
Cargoplug’s strategic expansion into the UK marks a pivotal moment in its growth trajectory. By establishing a self-managed hub, the company not only enhances its operational capabilities but also positions itself to better serve the evolving needs of its clientele. As trade between Nigeria and the UK continues to grow, Cargoplug’s move could set a precedent for other Nigerian startups aiming for international expansion.
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