Dufry has signed a 10-year concession to operate three shops at the Nigerian airports of Murtala Muhammed (1) and Nnamdi Azikiwe (2).

 

The major DF&TR retailer announced today that it signed the contract with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) after forming a new partnership with investment and consulting company Novignis, which specialises in new business set ups and multinational  market entry into the region. Dufry says that Novignis, has ‘a significant presence in Africa and Nigeria in particular’.

 

Dufry says that the first 380sq m departure duty free shop is to be opened at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where it will offer ‘most core categories’ such as perfume, wines and spirits, confectionery, fashion, accessories, watches, jewellery, tobacco and souvenirs.

 

NIGERIA’S BIGGEST AIRPORT

Murtala Muhammed in Lagos is easily the country’s biggest airport, handling 2.9m international passengers at the last count in 2012, representing a 3% rise over 2011. In the first half of 2013 it reported growth of 24% over the corresponding period in 2012.

 

The relatively newly remodelled Terminal 1 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

 

In addition, Dufry said today that it will also open two duty free shops totalling 85sq m opposite the first class lounge and VIP lounge in the departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja – Nigeria’s second-largest airport.

 

The mix here will include spirits, confectionery, perfume and tobacco. In 2012, 0.7m international passengers used Nnamdi Azikiwe, a rise of 23% compared to 2011. It also grew fast in the first six months of 2013, registering a 32% rise in international passengers compared with January-June 2012. Dufry adds that both shops are expected to open in the  first semester of 2014.

 

Commenting on the development, Dufry CEO Julian Díaz said: “We are pleased to extend our duty free operations in Region EMEA & Asia through this strategic concession in Nigeria which will enhance our presence in Western Africa, adding a new operation to those already managed in Ghana and Ivory Coast.

 

“This partnership with Novignis will also bring their expertise in order to explore new business opportunities, as well as develop the existing operation”.

 

[PHOTO) CREDIT: Both images above – Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria].