Ujama and Kikelomo, Co-founders - Cargoplug

Nigerian logistics company Cargoplug has officially launched its first self-run hub in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. The move positions the tech-enabled firm to better serve the burgeoning UK–Nigeria trade corridor, with a focus on more efficient deliveries, competitive rates, and greater transparency for customers across consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), business-to-business (B2B), and business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) segments.

Founded in 2013 as Jand2Gidi, Cargoplug was created by Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya and Ujama Akpata to address logistical headaches faced by Nigerians trying to send and receive goods between the UK and Nigeria. Over the past 12 years, the company has evolved into a major player in the cross-border logistics industry, completing over one million deliveries and expanding its reach across e-commerce, fashion, construction, manufacturing, procurement, and oil services sectors.

The new UK hub gives Cargoplug direct control over its British operations, eliminating the need for third-party partners. This operational shift is expected to reduce shipping timelines, lower costs for customers, and streamline handling processes — from overseas pickups and customs clearance to last-mile delivery and insurance.

Rising UK–Nigeria Trade Volumes Drive Strategic Expansion

The decision to invest in the UK comes amid a growing trade and diaspora relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Initiatives like the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) are expected to further deepen trade ties between the two countries, and Cargoplug is positioning itself to capitalise on these shifts.

In a statement, co-founder Kikelomo Fola-Ogunniya noted that the UK expansion reflects Cargoplug’s long-term vision:

“After over a decade of exponential growth through valued partnerships, we're thrilled to launch our first self-run UK hub. This sees us doubling down on our commitment to being the go-to logistics firm for the movement of goods between the UK and Nigeria,” she said.

Fola-Ogunniya pointed to her own experiences shipping goods after returning to Nigeria from the UK as inspiration for starting the company. She added that with this new hub operational, the company will now look to replicate similar models in other high-demand markets like the US, Turkey, and China.

New UK Hub to Offer More Flexibility and Better Pricing

Co-founder Ujama Akpata explained that the hub will enable the company to offer greater flexibility for customers.

“Customers can now either drop off their goods, send them to us directly, or have us pick up from anywhere in the UK,” she said. “We are now able to streamline operations and cut our prices, all while maintaining our reliable weekly Thursday dispatch and 7 to 10 working day delivery window.”

Cargoplug’s proprietary logistics tech supports seamless API integrations with clients including e-commerce platforms, logistics partners, and global lifestyle brands. These integrations allow companies to offer Cargoplug’s services to their own customers without managing complex shipping networks themselves.

The firm is also backed by the Techstars D.C. Accelerator Program, with support from JP Morgan, giving it access to global logistics knowledge, infrastructure, and financial support for further scale.

Looking Ahead

Cargoplug’s new hub positions it to compete with major international logistics companies while maintaining a localized, tech-driven approach. By directly managing the UK side of its operations, the company aims to ensure improved visibility, faster turnaround times, and cost savings — all of which are becoming increasingly important for businesses and individuals navigating the complexities of cross-border trade.

As Nigeria’s trade routes diversify and the country strengthens its logistics infrastructure, Cargoplug’s expansion could serve as a template for other African logistics firms seeking to establish global footprints.