Nigerian logistics provider Cargoplug has officially launched its first self-operated hub in the United Kingdom, a strategic move aimed at enhancing cross-border shipping efficiency between the UK and Nigeria.
In a statement reported by Techpoint Africa, the company revealed that the new hub will enable it to manage logistics directly, improving cost efficiency and customer trust while reducing dependence on third-party handlers. The development marks a significant milestone in Cargoplug’s over ten-year journey in the logistics space.
Founded in 2013 by Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata, Cargoplug—originally known as Jand2Gidi—has delivered more than one million packages, serving a mix of individual customers and small businesses. The company has built its reputation around facilitating seamless deliveries for the Nigerian diaspora and small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly along the busy UK-Nigeria corridor.
Boost in bilateral trade
“This is a major step forward for us,” said co-founder Fola-Ogunniya. “After more than a decade of growth through partnerships, we are proud to unveil our first independently run hub in the UK. It strengthens our position as a trusted logistics partner for goods moving between both countries.”
The move comes amid growing trade volumes between the UK and Nigeria. According to the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, bilateral trade between the two nations reached £7 billion ($8.4 billion) in 2024, up from £6.9 billion the previous year.
While other African logistics startups such as Jetstream Africa and OnePort 365 have attracted investor attention—raising $16 million and $5 million respectively—Cargoplug has remained bootstrapped for over a decade. In 2024, it joined the Techstars accelerator program, signaling a potential shift in its growth strategy.
Unlike its more enterprise-focused competitors, which concentrate on large-scale B2B freight forwarding and end-to-end supply chain services, Cargoplug has carved out a niche in consumer and SME parcel logistics. The company has also expanded its offerings to B2B and B2B2C clients through digital API integrations.
Analysts suggest that while the UK hub gives Cargoplug an operational edge on a key trade route, scaling beyond its core niche may require a broader service portfolio and expansion across other African regions. Even so, by establishing a physical presence in the UK, Cargoplug is positioning itself as a more agile and reliable logistics provider for the UK-Nigeria trade corridor—an increasingly vital link for African e-commerce and global supply chains.