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.

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has strengthened its position in the aviation ground handling sector with the renewal of major contracts with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY Airlines, while also securing a new partnership with FlyGabon.

The company announced that Qatar Airways has extended its partnership with NAHCO for another three years, while Saudia Airlines renewed its contract for five years.

Regional carrier ASKY also extended its relationship with the company for an additional three years.

NAHCO further disclosed that it has secured a three-year ground handling contract with FlyGabon, marking the airline’s entry into the Nigerian market and expanding its network across West, Central and Southern Africa.

In a related development, the company revealed that it has commenced the export of solar cells from Nigeria to the United States through its cargo facilities.

According to NAHCO, BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE began exporting solar cells from Lagos to the United States in January 2026, utilizing the company’s cargo handling infrastructure.

The shipments, ranging from 20 to 50 tonnes per consignment, have been transported through carriers including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and DHL.

NAHCO said it provides end-to-end cargo handling services for the project, including cargo acceptance, warehousing, export processing and aircraft handling services to ensure efficient operations.

The company noted that the latest agreements add to a growing list of contracts secured in recent months, including renewals and partnerships with Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, RwandAir and several other operators.

Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, said the contract renewals reflect the confidence airlines have in NAHCO’s service quality and operational capabilities.

“We are fully prepared to exceed the expectations of these new partners, drawing on more than 47 years of unblemished service to maintain our reputation for excellence,” he said.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, attributed the company’s growth to its focus on value creation, operational efficiency and technology deployment.

He said NAHCO remains committed to maintaining high standards of safety, reliability and service delivery while supporting connectivity across Africa and beyond.