Taiwo Afolabi, the Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, has emphasised the critical need for robust stakeholder collaboration, mutual trust, and shared responsibility to drive the growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s aviation cargo industry.
He spoke at the SAHCO PLC Cargo Stakeholders Forum held at Marriott Hotels in Ikeja.
Afolabi, who was represented by the Managing Director of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC, Adenike Aboderin, highlighted that the air cargo sector plays a vital role in facilitating international trade, connecting markets, and supporting broader economic development.
The Chairman affirmed that SAHCO’s success is inextricably linked to the cooperation of every stakeholder within the value chain, from airlines and freight forwarders to regulatory agencies, cargo agents, importers, exporters, and other service providers.
To meet the evolving demands of the global economy, Afolabi shared that SAHCO has continuously invested in cutting-edge technology, modern equipment, and infrastructure.
He explained that the recent enhancement of its equipment includes the introduction of a new dual-view X-ray machine for advanced cargo screening, an exclusive Trace Detection (ETB) machine for identifying potential explosive traces, a 16-ton forklift to handle heavy and oversized consignments, and specialised cold-chain handling capabilities designed for temperature-sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals and perishables.
Afolabi said, “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 added that “At SAHCO Plc, we recognise that our success is closely linked to the success of every stakeholder within the cargo value chain. From airlines and freight forwarders to regulatory agencies, cargo agents, importers, exporters, and other service providers, we all share the responsibility of ensuring that cargo moves safely, efficiently, and seamlessly through our airports.”
The understanding, he told the stakeholders, continues to drive the company’s commitment to improving service delivery, strengthening operational processes, investing in modern equipment and infrastructure, and embracing innovative solutions that enhance the customer experience.
The investments Dr Afolabi affirmed underscore Sahco’s commitment to cargo security, regulatory compliance, and the protection of shipments entrusted to our care.
He further disclosed that “In furtherance of our operational efficiency objectives, we have added a 16-tonne forklift to our equipment fleet. This addition strengthens our capacity to handle heavy and oversized consignments, improve cargo movement, and support more efficient loading, offloading, and cargo handling operations.”
“By strengthening our capabilities in this area, we aim to support cargo integrity, reduce the risk of temperature-related damage, and provide greater value to customers whose businesses depend on the safe and timely movement of sensitive goods. The Sifax boss declared.
The Sifax Chairman added that the company has expanded its cargo build-up operational area to improve workflow efficiency, optimise space, and support growing cargo volumes, stressing that infrastructure and equipment alone cannot guarantee excellence without a skilled workforce, strict adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication among all partners.
The event served as a platform for industry players to discuss operational bottlenecks, share feedback, and explore practical solutions aimed at reducing cargo turnaround times, strengthening security standards, and boosting trade facilitation.
SAHCO reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining an open-door policy, leveraging stakeholder feedback to continually refine its service delivery, and positioning Nigeria’s aviation sector as a trusted leader in global air cargo operations.
Speakers at the event called for concerted efforts among stakeholders in the cargo value chain to strengthen cargo security and reduce bottlenecks associated with cargo logistics at airports.
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Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.
