Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has reaffirmed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, modern infrastructure and technological investment in strengthening Nigeria’s air cargo industry and enhancing its competitiveness in the global market.

The Chairman of SAHCO, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, stated this at the company’s Cargo Stakeholders Forum held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Afolabi, who was represented by the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said the air cargo sector plays a critical role in facilitating international trade, connecting markets, supporting businesses and driving economic development.

He stressed that the success of the industry depends on effective collaboration among stakeholders, including airlines, freight forwarders, regulatory agencies, cargo agents, importers, exporters and other service providers.

According to him, the growing demands of global trade require efficient, secure and reliable cargo operations, supported by continuous investment in modern equipment, infrastructure and innovative solutions.

To strengthen its operational capacity, Afolabi said SAHCO had upgraded its equipment fleet with a dual-view X-ray machine for cargo screening, an explosives trace detection (ETD) machine, a 16-tonne forklift for handling heavy and oversized consignments, and specialised cold-chain facilities for temperature-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals and perishable products.

He explained that the investments were aimed at enhancing cargo security, improving regulatory compliance, protecting shipments and ensuring more efficient cargo handling.

“The air cargo sector plays a vital role in facilitating international trade, connecting markets, supporting businesses and contributing to economic development. In today’s interconnected global economy, the speed, reliability, security and efficiency of cargo operations are critical to the competitiveness of businesses and the growth of our nation,” he said.

The SAHCO chairman added that the company had expanded its cargo build-up operational area to improve workflow, optimise available space and accommodate increasing cargo volumes.

He, however, emphasised that investment in infrastructure and equipment must be complemented by a skilled workforce, strict compliance with safety procedures and effective communication among industry stakeholders.

On cold-chain operations, Afolabi said the company’s enhanced capabilities would help preserve cargo integrity, minimise the risk of temperature-related damage and provide greater value to businesses that depend on the safe and timely transportation of sensitive goods.

The forum provided an opportunity for industry players to discuss operational challenges, share feedback and explore practical solutions to reduce cargo turnaround times, strengthen security and improve trade facilitation at Nigerian airports.

Participants also called for stronger cooperation among stakeholders across the cargo value chain to address logistics bottlenecks, improve cargo security and enhance operational efficiency.

SAHCO reiterated its commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and using stakeholder feedback to improve service delivery, while working towards positioning Nigeria as a competitive and trusted player in global air cargo operations.

The Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has used the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja to position Nigerian ground-handling companies as strategic partners in the development of next-generation airports across Africa.

SAHCO Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, who spoke through the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the company’s participation in the continental gathering was aimed at demonstrating the growing importance of ground-handling services to efficient, competitive and passenger-focused airport operations.

The ACI Africa conference, which has attracted more than 500 delegates and over 40 speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from Africa and beyond, is being held under the theme, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.”

According to Afolabi, the theme was particularly relevant as African airports face growing pressure to improve operational efficiency while responding to rising passenger traffic, technological developments, sustainability requirements and the need to strengthen commercial performance.

He said SAHCO’s operations across passenger handling, baggage handling, ramp handling, cargo handling and warehousing place the company at a critical point within the aviation value chain, connecting airlines, airports, passengers and other industry stakeholders.

“Our appearance places Nigeria’s major ground-handling companies directly within a continental conversation about what the airport of the future should look like and the supporting services required to make such airports efficient, competitive and passenger-focused,” Afolabi said.

He explained that the quality of ground handling, cargo processing, baggage movement, aircraft turnaround and passenger facilitation could have a direct impact on airline efficiency and the overall passenger experience at airports.

“This is where companies such as SAHCO become important stakeholders in the broader airport-development conversation,” he said.

Afolabi noted that the Abuja conference also provides SAHCO with an opportunity to engage airport operators, airlines, regulators, technology providers and other aviation service companies on ways to integrate different components of the airport ecosystem for more efficient operations.

He said the company had continued to focus on professionalism, operational development and business growth while expanding its identity beyond that of a conventional ground-handling provider.

“Under my leadership, SAHCO has continued to position itself as an aviation-services company with an emphasis on professionalism, operational development and business growth. Our presence here presents us with an opportunity to showcase our capabilities, engage with industry peers and partners, and contribute to conversations about the next generation of airport operations,” he said.

The SAHCO chairman added that as African airports increasingly adopt automation, enhanced passenger services, stronger cargo systems and more resilient operational models, efficient ground services would remain central to the success of the transformation.

He further said the company’s participation in the ACI Africa gathering reinforces the potential of Nigerian aviation companies to participate in the continent’s increasingly integrated aviation market, particularly in an industry where international partnerships and airline contracts remain important.

According to him, engagements of this nature demonstrate that Nigeria’s ground-handling market is increasingly connected to the wider African aviation industry and has a role to play in shaping the future of airport operations across the continent.

Flight operations on the Air Peace network have been disrupted after a ground handling vehicle belonging to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) collided with one of the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (MMA1), Lagos.

Air Peace confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after Flight P47427 arrived from Kano and passengers had safely disembarked from the aircraft.

According to the airline, a NAHCO baggage conveyor belt vehicle struck the aircraft’s engine, causing extensive damage and rendering the Airbus A320 unserviceable.

In a statement issued by its management, Air Peace said the damaged aircraft had been scheduled to operate several flights across its domestic network in the coming days, adding that the incident would inevitably affect flight operations.

The airline warned that the unexpected development would lead to delays on several scheduled services, while some flights could be cancelled as it works to adjust its fleet and minimise operational disruptions.

Air Peace apologised to passengers whose travel plans may be affected, assuring them that its operations and customer service teams have been mobilised to provide alternative travel arrangements and necessary assistance where possible.

The airline said it is working closely with the ground handling company and relevant aviation authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence.

It reiterated that the safety of its passengers, crew and equipment remains its highest priority and thanked customers for their patience, understanding and continued support as it manages the operational challenges arising from the incident.