Abstract
Cargo logistics management at most commercial airports is crucial to a nation's economy and serves as a revenue source for airlines and other stakeholders. To maximise the importance of cargo operations at airports, there is a need to successfully manage cargo distribution efficiently to reduce delivery time and costs. However, achieving efficient air cargo logistics management is often challenging due to several factors limiting cargo processing. This paper examines the factors affecting cargo logistics management at airports in Nigeria. The study followed the quantitative research method and surveyed various stakeholders by random sampling at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos through a well-designed research questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified bureaucracy, equipment and facilities, traffic flow, and malpractices as the significant factors affecting the logistics of cargo distribution at the airport. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) validated the statistical significance of bureaucracy, equipment and facilities, traffic flow, and malpractices as critical factors affecting the logistics of cargo distribution at the airport. It was found that bureaucracy negatively affects equipment and facilities, while malpractices negatively affect traffic flow and equipment and facilities. The findings highlight the need to incorporate real-time automation of cargo processing with equipment provision to enhance airports' capacity for efficient cargo logistics management in Nigeria. In practice, the finding implies that airport stakeholders need to improve their efficiency by eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks to cargo distribution. The finding also highlights research need to examine the level at which bureaucracy and malpractices impact cargo supply chains at airports. The study impacts the air cargo logistics industry with strategic options for improving airport cargo operations.