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.

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.

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has strengthened its corporate governance structure with the appointment of two new non-executive directors and the elevation of an existing board member as Vice Chairman following changes in its board composition.

The company announced the appointment of renowned legal practitioner, Mr. Wolemi Esan, SAN, and finance and corporate governance expert, Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga, as Non-Executive Directors.

The appointments followed the retirement of Mr. Akinwumi Godson Fanimokun, Independent Non-Executive Director and Vice Chairman, and Mr. Taofeeq Oluwatoyin Salman, Non-Executive Director, after eight years of service on the board.

The changes were disclosed in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and signed by the Company Secretary, Mr. Bello A. Abdullahi.

According to the company, Fanimokun’s retirement took effect from June 15, 2026, while Salman’s retirement became effective on June 30, 2026.

The statement noted that Fanimokun, despite leaving the board on account of age, remains a substantial shareholder in the company.

NAHCO said the appointment of Esan and Omodayo-Owotuga brings to its board decades of experience spanning law, corporate governance, finance, infrastructure, banking and strategic business management.

Esan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than 20 years, advising leading corporations, financial institutions and government agencies on commercial litigation, arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, infrastructure development and regulatory compliance.

He has also played advisory roles in major transportation and infrastructure projects, including rail, port and airport concession transactions, while providing strategic corporate governance support to boards and executive management.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws degree from Lagos State University, a Bachelor of Law qualification from the Nigerian Law School, a Master of Laws degree from University College London as a Jeremy Bentham Scholar, and an MBA from Durham University.

The second appointee, Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga, is an accomplished finance executive with extensive experience across Nigeria’s power, oil and gas, banking and financial services sectors.

He currently serves as Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited and previously held key leadership positions at Geregu Power Plc, Forte Oil Plc (now Ardova Plc), Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank and KPMG.

The company said his experience includes corporate transformation, capital raising, infrastructure finance, governance reforms, financial reporting and risk management.

He also serves on the board of Quant Investment Managers and holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Oxford Saïd Business School, an MBA with distinction from IE Business School, and a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, alongside several professional fellowships.

In a related development, the company announced the appointment of Mr. Tajudeen Omoshola Shobayo, FCA, an existing Non-Executive Director, as Vice Chairman of the Board with effect from July 1, 2026.

Shobayo succeeds Fanimokun and is expected to support the board in advancing NAHCO’s strategic growth and corporate governance objectives.