Dufry Duty Free (DDF) has entered into a partnership with Novignis, an investment and consulting firm with a significant presence in Africa and Nigeria in particular that specialises on new business setup and multinational new market entry in the region, and signed a 10-year concession agreement with the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to operate three duty free shops in two of the major airports in the country.

The first duty free shop will be located at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, where Dufry will operate a 380 sqm in the departure lounge area.  The shop will be presented with the most core categories such as perfumes, wine & spirits, confectionery, fashion & accessories, watches & jewellery, tobacco and souvenirs.  This is the country’s largest airport in Nigeria. In 2012, the airport handled 2.9 million international passengers growing by 3% comparing to 2011 and in the first half 2013 it grew by 24% over the same period last year.

Dufry will also operate two duty free shops, totalling 85 sqm, facing the first class lounge and VIP lounge in the departure hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, offering spirits, confectionery, perfumes and tobacco.This is the second largest airport in the country.  In 2012, the airport handled 0.7 million international passengers growing by 23% comparing to 2011. In the first half 2013, international passengers increased by 32% over the same period last year.  Both shops are expected to start operations in the first semester 2014.

Julian Diaz, Chief Executive Officer of Dufry 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 opportunity as well as develop the existing operation” .