Factors influencing gender participation in Nigeria's air cargo agency industry: Exploratory analysis of experience at Lagos airport

The air cargo agency sector of the aviation industry is male-dominated, as is the transport and logistics industry. Gender disparity persists in the air transport industry despite several campaigns for equality in the profession. Despite the importance of increasing women's participation in the sector, there is a limited understanding of the factors that can encourage it. This study examines the factors influencing gender participation in Nigeria's air cargo agency industry. The paper is based on a survey of 202 cargo agents and registered members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). The data, which were primarily collected using random sampling techniques, were analysed using a combination of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The significant factors influencing gender participation were recruitment factors, social factors, industry attractiveness, and career goals and development. The SEM results showed that industry attractiveness, social factors, and recruitment factors significantly determine the career goals and development of air cargo agents in Nigeria. The study's implications offer a strategy to address stereotypes and biases that hinder female participation and career development in the air cargo agency industry.