Co-founder of Cargoplug, Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya, tells FELIX OLOYEDE how cutting-edge shipping APIs and user-friendly dashboards are enabling seamless and trackable deliveries in the logistics industry
What is the story behind the establishment of Cargoplug?
Cargoplug began its journey in 2013, originally known as Jand2Gidi—a nod to Nigerian slang meaning “UK to Nigeria.” The company was born out of a personal challenge faced by two women, Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata, who had recently returned to Nigeria after studying in the UK. Though back home, we still wanted to shop from the UK stores we’d grown accustomed to. But what seemed like a simple desire quickly turned into a frustrating ordeal—high shipping costs, long delivery times, and zero visibility on our packages. The experience was anything but seamless.
Recognising that many other returnees and small businesses faced the same issues, we saw an opportunity to create a better solution—and built it ourselves. That solution became Jand2Gidi.
Over the years, the company expanded beyond its original UK-to-Nigeria focus, offering shipping from countries like the US, China, and Turkey, as well as export and local delivery services within Nigeria. As our operations and reach grew, the name Jand2Gidi no longer reflected the full scope of what we had become.
So, at our 10-year milestone, we rebranded as Cargoplug—a name that represents our role as the trusted “plug” for cargo movement into, across, and out of Africa through our reliable air, sea, and land networks. Today, Cargoplug proudly serves individuals, businesses, and multinationals whose operations depend on reliable cross-border logistics.
Why did you decide to expand into the UK?
We decided to expand to the UK as a strategic move to strengthen our global logistics network and better serve our growing customer base. The UK has always been a key origin point for shipments into Africa, especially Nigeria, since our earliest days as Jand2Gidi. By establishing a direct presence in the UK, Cargoplug has gained greater control over operations, reduced reliance on third-party handlers, and significantly improved shipping speed, cost-efficiency, and reliability.
This expansion also allows us to offer more localised support to UK-based customers—individuals, diaspora communities, and businesses—who regularly ship goods to Africa. Additionally, the UK serves as a strategic gateway to Europe, offering easier access to European markets, suppliers, and distribution networks, making it easier for African businesses to plug into global trade.
What challenges do people typically face when shipping between the UK and Nigeria?
High shipping costs: This was one of several pain points we experienced before our company was birthed. Many couriers charge premium rates for UK-to-Nigeria shipments, especially for small parcels or low-volume shippers. Hidden fees like customs charges, warehousing, and last-mile delivery can make final costs unpredictable.
At Cargoplug the cost of our standard speed is GBP 5 per kg from the UK to Nigeria. We dispatch every Thursday, and delivery takes 7 to 10 working days. Faster services are available, and a common thread across our services is that our clients are aware of all chargeable fees ahead of dispatch.
Customs delays and bureaucracy: Clearing goods at Nigerian ports can be time-consuming due to complex documentation, inconsistent enforcement, and sometimes, unofficial delays. Also, a lack of clarity on what items are dutiable or restricted can lead to hold-ups.
Cargoplug relies on long-standing relationships and extensive knowledge of local terrain to navigate complex logistics challenges, ensure efficient last-mile delivery, and provide seamless cross-border shipping solutions across Africa.
Inconsistent delivery timelines: Transit times can vary widely depending on the carrier, route, and customs processes. It’s not uncommon for shipments to take much longer than quoted, especially during peak periods or public holidays, due to increased cargo volumes, limited staffing, and delays at customs or transit hubs—all of which can disrupt even the most carefully planned logistics schedules.
Cargoplug manages this by proactively planning around known peak periods, maintaining close communication with customs and shipping partners, and providing real-time updates to customers.
Poor shipment visibility: Many customers are left in the dark after dispatch, with limited or inaccurate tracking updates. This is especially frustrating for time-sensitive or high-value items. Cargoplug addresses this by offering end-to-end shipment tracking, powered by integrated technology and on-ground coordination. Customers receive timely, accurate updates at every stage of the journey and can easily reach a dedicated support team for real-time assistance, ensuring they’re kept in the loop.
Risk of loss, damage, or theft: Shipments may be poorly handled in transit or at local depots. Without insurance or reliable carriers, compensation for damaged or missing items is often difficult to claim. Cargoplug mitigates these risks by working with trusted carriers, offering mandatory insurance coverage, and implementing rigorous quality control measures at every step of the delivery process. In the rare event of damage or loss, Cargoplug ensures a straightforward claims process for insured shipments, giving customers peace of mind that their items are protected.
Unreliable last-mile delivery: Even if goods arrive in Nigeria, final delivery to customers can be delayed by poor infrastructure, weak address systems, or lack of coordination. Cargoplug addresses these challenges by leveraging local expertise and a robust network of trusted delivery partners.
Lack of support or communication: Traditional freight forwarders may not offer responsive customer service, especially for individual shippers who often struggle to get timely updates or personalised support when issues arise.
Cargoplug fills this gap by providing dedicated customer care, tailored to both individuals and businesses. With a responsive support team, multiple communication channels, and a customer-first approach, Cargoplug ensures that every shipper, regardless of size, feels heard, informed, and supported throughout the shipping journey.
Which mode of cargo movement between the UK and Nigeria is showing the fastest growth on your platform at present?
There is fast growth in air freight services between the UK and Nigeria. This surge is driven by the increasing demand for rapid, reliable deliveries, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value items. Cargoplug’s ability to deliver parcels from the UK to Nigeria within 24 hours at competitive rates has made it a preferred choice for businesses and individuals seeking swift logistics solutions. Sea freight is also in close competition with air freight, though, particularly for bulk shipments, inventory restocking, and cost-sensitive goods where speed is less critical. With regular sailing schedules and consolidated container options, we continue to see steady growth in sea freight demand, especially from businesses moving larger volumes of stock at more economical rates.
What key component is still lacking that could truly unlock transatlantic trade between Africa and the Global North? Is it the rise of local industries, better trade finance, stronger payment infrastructure, or something else entirely?
The biggest missing piece for unlocking trade between Africa and the Global North is better infrastructure for moving goods and making payments seamlessly.
Even if local industries grow and more financing is available, trade will still be limited without reliable shipping, faster customs processes, and easy cross-border payments. These gaps make it hard for African businesses, especially SMEs, to trade efficiently with the rest of the world.
What sectors will be the biggest winners in a best-case scenario of digital logistics adoption in Nigeria?
E-commerce and retail: Faster, more reliable deliveries would boost online shopping and expand market reach for businesses of all sizes. We have seen this in recent times, and with greater adoption in Nigeria, this will significantly boom even further.
Agriculture: Farmers could move perishable goods more efficiently, reduce waste, and access urban and export markets more seamlessly.
Manufacturing: Better supply chain visibility and reduced transport costs would improve production planning and profitability.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals: Improved tracking and cold-chain logistics would ensure safer, timely delivery of sensitive medical supplies.
SMEs: With easier access to logistics tools, small businesses could compete on a national or global scale.
Nigeria’s customs scored 2.4 out of 5 on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. What steps do you think could help improve this score?
Improving Nigeria’s customs performance will require digitisation of its processes, upgraded infrastructure, risk-based inspections, and greater transparency to support more efficient trade with the rest of the world.
How are current geopolitical events and tariffs impacting logistics operations and costs, if any?
Geopolitical tensions and tariffs are driving up logistics costs by causing shipping delays, rerouted trade routes, higher insurance due to higher risks involved, and, of course, supply chain disruptions.
Intra-African trade is a small percentage of the continent’s total trade. What do you think needs to be done to improve this?
To improve intra-African trade, the continent needs to invest in better transport infrastructure, simplify customs procedures, adopt common trade policies, strengthen regional payment systems, and fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers, making cross-border trade attractive, faster, cheaper, and more reliable.
In 2023, the Nigerian e-commerce market generated USD 10.11bn in revenue. What role did logistics play in all this?
Without logistics, the world stops! Logistics played a key role in Nigeria’s USD 10.11bn e-commerce revenue in 2023 through effective inventory management and providing reliable transportation to get products to customers. Efficient logistics helped meet the growing demand for online shopping and made it easier for businesses to expand both locally and internationally.
The market volume of the Nigerian logistics industry is expected to reach around $10.1bn by 2027, according to Mordor Intelligence. What are the things that would help the industry achieve this? And what are the factors that may work against its attainment?
Achieving this projection will depend on several critical factors. First, continued investment in infrastructure such as roads, ports, rail networks, and warehousing will be essential to improving delivery speed and reliability. The growing adoption of technology and digital solutions, particularly for tracking, automation, and route optimisation, will also play a key role in unlocking efficiency and transparency across the supply chain.
The rapid growth of e-commerce in Nigeria is another major driver, as more consumers expect fast, reliable deliveries at competitive prices. In addition, supportive government policies, streamlined customs procedures, and improved cross-border trade frameworks like the AfCFTA can significantly boost the sector’s performance. Finally, increased investment from both local and international players will be crucial in scaling operations and fostering innovation.
Regarding notable challenges that could hinder this growth, we have poor infrastructure in certain regions, regulatory bottlenecks and uncertainties, as well as security concerns, especially on major trade routes, and these pose serious risks. High operating costs, largely driven by fuel prices, forex volatility, and inconsistent electricity supply, also remain a concern. In addition, limited access to skilled talent and inadequate trade finance systems could slow the pace of progress, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses trying to scale.
What strategies is Cargoplug employing to mitigate the challenges posed?
Cargoplug is tackling these logistics challenges by using technology for real-time tracking and transparency, partnering with reliable carriers, offering flexible payment options for businesses, and setting up strategic hubs to improve delivery times. We also prioritise customer feedback to stay responsive.
What is your vision for Cargoplug in the next 5-10 years?
Our vision for Cargoplug in the next 5–10 years is to become Africa’s leading cross-border logistics enabler by seamlessly connecting the continent to global trade. We see Cargoplug evolving into a fully integrated logistics platform that supports individuals, SMEs, global brands, and multinationals alike, offering end-to-end visibility, automated customs processes, flexible payment solutions, and warehousing across key trade hubs. With expanded presence across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, we aim to reduce friction in international trade, unlock new markets for African businesses, and create smarter, faster, and more inclusive cargo movement worldwide. In particular, we aim to partner with global brands looking to fulfil orders to African customers through our seamless, trackable, and easily integrable shipping APIs.
