The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nahco

  • NAHCO gets Afrijet, Air Sierra Leone contracts

    NAHCO gets Afrijet, Air Sierra Leone contracts

    Nigeria  Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance), has been chosen by regional operators, Afrijet and Air Sierra Leone, to handle their ground operations in Nigeria.

    The contracts between the parties would see NAHCO provide excellent service for Afrijet’ flights into Port Harcourt and Lagos. The Company will also handle Air Sierra Leone’s flights to Lagos.

    Read Also: Wema Bank plans N200b in placement, rights issues

    The contract with Afrijet is for a three-year period, 2024 – 2027,  while NAHCO will handle Air Sierra Leone, for five years, from 2024 till 2029.

    Group Executive Director, Commercial & Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi expressed delight with the new contracts.

     According to Lasisi, NAHCO’s more than 45 years of unblemished records stands it heads and shoulders above any other service provider in the industry. He said it is a good way to start the New Year.

  • Global aviation giants’ contracts boost NAHCO’s N300b revenue target

    Global aviation giants’ contracts boost NAHCO’s N300b revenue target

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc  has expressed its ambitious drive toward bolstering its revenue generation to N300 billion by 2029.

    The company announced at its recent Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) that in order to meet this revenue projection, it has extended its contracts with three global aviation giants – Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and Turkish Airlines.

    Following the resumption of scheduled flights to Nigeria in October, Emirates had entrusted NAHCO with comprehensive ground handling services for an additional five years. This partnership underscores Emirates’ confidence in NAHCO’s ability to deliver top-tier services consistently.

    NAHCO’s longstanding relationship with British carrier Virgin Atlantic and Turkish Airlines continues to thrive.

    Virgin Atlantic, renowned for its dedication to premium service, has consistently partnered with NAHCO to uphold its high standards.

    Read Also: NAHCO eyes N300b revenue on new growth plan

    Similarly, Turkish Airlines, a global leader in aviation, has reaffirmed its commitment to NAHCO, extending their enduring collaboration.

    The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO, Indranil Gupta, expressed pride in the development, describing it as a major win for the company and its stakeholders.

     “For 45 years, NAHCO has led the ground handling industry in Nigeria and across West Africa. We remain committed to delighting our clients and delivering value to our shareholders. It is a promise we will keep,” Gupta affirmed.

    He also highlighted NAHCO’s ongoing investments in advanced equipment and staff training as essential to fulfilling the company’s obligations and achieving its revenue goals.

    Prince Saheed Lasisi, Group Executive Director for Commercial & Business Development, described the contract extensions as a testament to NAHCO’s reliability and exceptional service delivery.

     “It is a measure of the trust these airlines have in us. We are committed to exceeding their expectations and making them the most satisfied carriers operating into and out of Nigeria,” Lasisi remarked.

  • NAHCO eyes N300b revenue on new growth plan

    NAHCO eyes N300b revenue on new growth plan

    Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc is launching a new five-year growth plan that will strengthen existing businesses and open up new opportunities, with a target of N300 billion revenue.

    The board and management of the aviation handling group yesterday outlined key drivers of a five-year transformational growth plan aimed at further diversifying the group’s businesses within and outside Nigeria.

    NAHCO unveiled the five-year plan at a closing gong ceremony and Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) yesterday in Lagos.

    Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr Seinde Fadeni, said the company has the potential to achieve its target of N300 billion revenue by the next five years given ongoing investments and numerous emerging opportunities.

    He said the group has demonstrated resilience over the years, citing significant growths in turnover and profitability.

    Read Also: Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

    “As a company that has consistently paid high dividends over the years, NAHCO Plc will continue to seek higher dividends for its shareholders. To do that, the company has to increase profitability. To increase profitability, the company is making make huge investments in manpower and equipment.

    “Only last week and continuing this week, we have been taking delivery of brand new ground support equipment (GSE) to further enhance our service delivery. We have a broad plan to replace the few ageing equipment in our fleet by 2026. NAHCO will continually create and take advantage of opportunities to increase shareholders’ value,” Fadeni said.

    He reiterated the company’s commitment to the ideal of good corporate governance and sustainable growth, assuring that the board would continue to provide the enablement for the management team to deliver the group’s strategic goals.

    Group Executive Director, International Business and Corporate Services, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr. Sola Obabori outlined that the company would sustain progressive growths in sales and profitability over the next five years.

    He projected that turnover would rise successively to N38.49 billion in 2024, N71.12 billion in 2025, N101.93 billion in 2026, N146.07 billion in 2027, N209.34 billion in 2028 and N300 billion by 2029.

    He explained that the group’s forecast was based on expectations that all subsidiaries would witness continuing growth.

    According to the breakdown, the N300 billion revenue target is premised on a turnover of N120 billion from the main ground handling business, N40 billion from cargo handling, N36 billion from NAHCO Logistics Services while NAHCO Free Zone,  NAHCO Commodities, NAHCO Travel & Hospitality and Aviation Academy will contribute N15 billion, N80 billion, N7 billion and N2 billion respectively.

    “We are embarking on a five-year transformation journey to build a new NAHCO, centered around four key pillars; accelerate growth in business, differentiate with operational excellence, lead with digital and deliver a transformed people and culture,” Obabori said.

    He assured that the group is committed to achieving specific performance goals by 2029, while simultaneously expanding its service offerings.

    He said the projected growth trajectory compels the company to prioritize operational efficiency and performance improvement.

    Obabori explained that the African aviation industry has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing steady growth in recent year.

    He said that the Nigerian market has exhibited resilience and growth, even amidst a challenging economic landscape.

    He added that NAHCO has consistently demonstrated its ability to capitalise on expanding markets through innovation and adaptation.

    He pointed out that the company is actively taking steps to enhance its performance and operations.

    “We will prioritize a number of key initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and significantly improving the company’s financial position,” Obabori said.

    Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka said NAHCO has demonstrated its ability to navigate the operating environment successfully.

    He said NAHCO’s results were quite commendable, especially in the light of the operating environment.

    He noted that NAHCO contributed N3.1 billion in taxes in 2023, highlighting its pivotal role in bolstering government revenue and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.

  • NAHCO promises increased funding for CSRs

    NAHCO promises increased funding for CSRs

    • Five new boreholes commissioned

    As part of its efforts aimed at putting smiles in the faces of its global community, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has commissioned five borehole projects in a school in Badagry, Lagos State and a community in Ondo State.

    Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance), Mr. Indranil Gupta has expanded the horizon of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) beyond its immediate stakeholders to a more global community in realisation of the profound impacts of its sponsorships on communities.

    He said NAHCO looks forward to doing more to further impact positively the lives of its communities.

    At Ode–Aye, Southwest Ondo State where the company constructed and donated four boreholes, Gupta, represented by the AGM Corporate Communications, Mr. Tayo Ajakaye, advised the users of the boreholes to take ownership and ensure that they are well – maintained.

    According to him, it is such a good maintenance culture that would encourage, not only NAHCO, but also any other willing donors to do more knowing fully well that whatever is donated would be well – maintained.

    “Let me explain it this way. If, for any reason, we come around again in a year’s time or one and a half years and we see these boreholes up and running, it would gladden our hearts and we would gladly want to donate more in new locations, rather than spend such resources trying to resuscitate, reactivate or fix dead ones,” Gupta said.

    He thanked the people of Ode–Aye for allowing NAHCO serve them. “We serve in many more ways. This is just one way in which we serve our global community,” he stated.

     In his short address of appreciation at the occasion, the Halu of Aye Kingdom, HRM Oba William Akinmusayo Akinlade, thanked NAHCO for its thoughtfulness.

    Read Also: ‘Incumbent NAHCON not under investigation’

    According to the traditional leader, it is such beneficial project that the town has been looking forward to, adding that the projects will go a long away in ameliorating the suffering of the people even as the dry season sets in.

    Oba Akinlade also thanked the board of NAHCO and expressed the hope that the Board and its chairman will do more for the community.

    High Chief Petu of Aye Kingdom, Chief Kayode Adebusoye thanked the company and its management assuring that the town will pray for its continued success.

    Project Coordinator, Ode-Aye, Sir Soji Aguda promised that the residents of the streets where the boreholes are located will safeguard the facilities.

    The four boreholes donated are powered by solar energy as part of the package donated by NAHCO.

    While commissioning another project at Adebola Creative Comprehensive College, Morogbo, Badagry, Lagos State, Gupta explained the need for the company’s intervention in providing the borehole to the school.

    He said that it was difficult for many school proprietors in Nigeria to provide all that a school requires.

    “What we do here today is what we do regularly, especially in the area where we operate, the Airport environment. But we have recently expanded our immediate community to a larger, global community, for a more comprehensive impact on our people. We realized that at some point in our lives, we all need help, no matter where we are located,” Gupta, who was represented by Ajakaye, said.

    He said it was a good sight to see the joy in the faces of the school children as well as the school authorities. The company commissioned the project alongside a 3.5kva generator.

     Gupta applauded the management of the school for its doggedness in managing to stay afloat in the midst of increasing running costs and dwindling resources.

    Chief Executive Officer, Adebola Creative Comprehensive College, Prince Adegbehin Adetarami, whose address was read by the Principal, Mrs. Mary Adegbehin, appreciated NAHCO for the project pointing out that the impact of the donation cannot be overstated.

    According to him, the borehole will ensure access to clean water while the generator will provide constant electricity which the school needs everyday for its activities, including the computer labs and digital learning.

    He said: “Today, NAHCO has healed a wound that is seriously ailing us as an institution. With this life – changing gift, not only has it quenched our thirst for clean water, but also illuminates out path to a brighter future with the provision of a generator; and to which we shall remain forever grateful.”

    Speaking at the occasion, the Divisional Police Officer, Morogbo Division, CSP Adekunle Olaitan, lauded NAHCO for the project pointing out that by donating the project, the company had inadvertently inculcated also in the students the idea of given back to the society.

    Olaitan said: “I want to thank the management of NAHCO for what they have done today. In another dimension, what they have done today is not for consumption or drinking water alone, but they have laid a good legacy for these children. Tomorrow, when they are in good position, they will know how to give back to their communities.”

    Chairman, Parents Teachers Association of the School, Dr. Okedusi Olorunsola, applauded NAHCO for the good gesture stressing that its CSR policy is worthy of emulation by other organisations across the country.

  • NAHCO chair Fadeni loses mum

    NAHCO chair Fadeni loses mum

    The Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO Aviance), Dr. Seinde Fadeni, has announced the death of his mother, Chief Mrs. Alice Fadeni. She was 95.

    Dr Fadeni said in a statement that his mother transited unto glory on September 20.

    He said: ‘’A woman loved by all for her compassion and charity works, Chief Mrs. Fadeni lived a life of fulfilment and died at a ripe age in the presence of her children, grandchildren and family members.’’

    The family said concerning its matriarch: “She will be remembered for her warmth and kindness, which touched the lives of many.”

    Read Also: NLC to workers: don’t give up on Nigeria

    In a statement mourning the loss, the GMD/CEO of NAHCO PLC, Mr. Indranil Gupta, described the passing on of Chief Mrs. Fadeni as an irreplaceable loss.

    “Our thoughts are with our chairman and his entire family at this time. We acknowledge and indeed admire the great support and important impact Mama made in the life of his son, who is our chairman, Dr. Fadeni. May Mama’s soul find rest with her maker,” Gupta said.

    Chief Mrs. Fadeni, who is survived by children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relations, will be laid to rest on a date to be announced by the family.

  • NAHCO names staff who returned N16m brand ambassador

    NAHCO names staff who returned N16m brand ambassador

    • Double promotion, cash gifts for honesty

    Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has named a staff of the company, Mr. Auwal Dankode as brand ambassador.

    Dankode found $10,000, equivalent to about N16 million, while cleaning an aircraft in Kano, and promptly returned the money, sparking a nationwide commendation for his honesty.

    Dankode, who was assigned alongside other colleagues, to clean the MS 878 operated by Egypt Air, found the money left behind by the passenger on seat no 25H. He promptly turned the money over to the airline’s station manager.

    As brand ambassador, Dankode would grace all NAHCO major events anywhere in the country, promote its brand and have the chance to travel and interact with top officials and stakeholders of the company.

    Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Indranil Gupta, said Dankode acted as a true NAHCO ambassador who has put into use the training he received in the company.

    At a ceremony at the company’s head office in Lagos, Gupta at the weekend announced cash reward, instant promotion and appointment of Dankode as NAHCO brand ambassador.

    “We are truly proud of the exemplary character exhibited by Auwal. He is a true NAHCO ambassador and an embodiment of what NAHCO stands for, honesty, integrity, diligence and hard work.

    “We celebrate your being and we want this to be just the beginning. Let the values which have been instilled by your family, guide you and groom you into ideal leader which everyone will be proud of,” Gupta said.

    He pointed out that the majority of NAHCO staff exhibit these values in their everyday work in the company.

    “We urge you to continue working with the same high integrity, diligence and continue being a good NAHCO ambassador,” Gupta said.

    Chief Financial Officer, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju commended Dankode on this show of high integrity.

    “The integrity you’ve displayed is not something that anyone can pretend to have. You’ve shown that it is something that is innate to you,” Emiloju said.

    Chief Operating Officer, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Didier Steullet also encouraged Dankode to stay on the good path.

    Read Also: Alleged N90b hajj subsidy fraud: ICPC raids NAHCON office, arrests director

    “What you have done is very good. You’re the example not only of the week, but probably of the year. My only recommendation is that please keep going on the same way. Remain yourself and don’t get carried away with the adulation that you are receiving on social media. You need to remain grounded and make a difference in the world. Stay on nice side of the ‘force’ and your life will be good,” Steullet said.

    Group Executive Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr. Sola Obabori added that Dankode has become a poster boy of NAHCO not only in Nigeria but all over the world because the internet makes things global.

    “You have done something that makes us proud. In today’s Nigeria, where the value of dollar is so very high, by returning so many of them, you’ve done something commendable. For you to have seen something as valuable, and give it up, it shows that you’re a man who has purity of heart. This is very commendable and appreciated. Every well-meaning Nigerian will appreciate what you have done,” Obabori said.

    Dankode expressed his appreciation to the management of NAHCO for giving him the opportunity to break out from his village setting where no one has ever worked in an airport or stand close to an aircraft.

    “No one in my area has ever worked at the airport. I am very grateful to NAHCO for the training they gave us and also for the opportunity to work and earn a decent living. I am greatly thankful to the NAHCO management for the honour and recognition of my effort,” Dankode said.

    Dankode invited some of his relations to the ceremony including Jafar Maimako, Sadam Tanko, Ibrahim Mu’azu and Yusuf Mohammed.

  • Shareholders excited with NAHCO’s 112% dividend increase

    Shareholders excited with NAHCO’s 112% dividend increase

    •Board targets N100b, diversification

    Shareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc have said the increase in dividend payouts by the leading ground handling company was a proof of strong fundamentals and consideration for shareholders’ interest.

    With 107 per cent growth in net profit in 2023, the board of NAHCO had recommended increase in dividend payout accordingly, from N1.20 per share paid for the 2022 business year to N2.54 for the 2023 business year.

    Shareholders unanimously approved the 111.7 per cent increase in dividend payouts amid commendations for the board and management of the company. Shareholders would receive N4.95 billion in 2023 as against N2.34 billion paid for the 2022 business year.

    Read Also: Five Northern monarchs deposed in Nigeria

    NAHCO’s audited report for the year ended December 31, 2023 showed that turnover rose by 70 per cent from N16.71 billion in 2022 to N28.4 billion in 2023. Profit before tax jumped by 126 per cent from N3.84 billion to N8.68 billion. Profit after tax increased to N5.54 billion in 2023 as against N2.67 billion in 2022. Earnings per share thus increased from N1.36 in 2022 to N2.84 in 2023. Shareholders’ funds grew by 34 per cent from N9.03 billion to N12.13 billion.   

    Shareholders, who spoke at NAHCO’s annual general meeting, said the company has demonstrated resilience with its sustained growths, urging the board and management to continue the growth trajectory. 

    Chairman, Ibadan Zone Shareholders Association (IBZA), Mr Eric Akinduro, said the board and management of NAHCO have proved that despite economic challenges, the company has been positioned to sustain growth.

    “They have taken decisive steps to challenge the situation and come up with a wonderful results that gave us improved return on our investments. The dividend of N2.54 from N1.20 last year is a very rewarding one. Looking at the pedigree and the sustainability steps, there is no doubt that higher dividend payment should be expected in the years to come,” Akinduro said.

    He urged the directors of the company to continue to be responsive to the environment while leveraging innovations and automation of services to manage operational expenses.

    National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, said the company’s financial results were delightful to shareholders.

    According to him, against the background of the macroeconomic headwinds, the company has continued to post impressive growths.

    He said the dividend increase was a thoughtful one by the directors given the prevailing economic situation.

    Another shareholder, Mrs Juliet Uzuakpundu, commended the company for its many innovations and customer-friendly initiatives.

    She noted that recent investments in facilities upgrades have endeared NAHCO to clients, urging the company to continue to improve on its facilities in line with global standards.   

    Addressing the shareholders, Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr Seinde Fadeni said the company has concluded plans to diversify its investment portfolio in order to create new jobs and contribute significantly to resolving the country’s foreign exchange crisis.

    He said the company was exploring new areas of investment in order to trigger positive economic impact and build its portfolio size to some N100 billion over the next five years.

    According to him, the company is convinced that the food export holds significant potential for foreign exchange earnings because of its impact on the livelihoods and prosperity of many Nigerians.

    He said though the company is navigating safely around the myriads of challenges confronting the air transport space , but urged the government to look at ways to improve airport infrastructure to keep pace with the future growth plan.

    He said industry stakeholders have an obligation to look at implementing policies that support sustainable aviation fuel .

    Fadeni said concrete targets should be set and steps taken to execute innovations that support the industry and the world’s net zero CO2 emission goals.

     “NAHCO believes that the government at the centre should work towards reducing the financial burden for airlines and passengers by reviewing applicable taxes . This way, more payees would be brought into the tax net. Not too long, the international Air Transport Association declared that Nigerian airports charge foreign airlines about 27 levies.

    “This makes Nigerian airports the most expensive in the world discouraging airlines from flying into the country. This is not the kind of laurel Nigeria should be proud of. It is a disincentive to investment to both active and prospective investors. Government should address this situation. Government should also heed the industry’s calls for the harmonisation of the regulatory environment, particularly at the ports in a way that aligns with global best practices. The nation’s Ease of Doing Business mantra should be in practice and not in theory only,” Fadeni said.

    Fadeni said as much as the company supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund especially as it relates to the aviation industry and its plan to upgrade infrastructure at the airports, such declaration should have overall industry impact.”

    He said though the year 2023 was characterised with multiple cost related challenges, the increased cost of handling an aircraft cannot be easily passed on the airline by ground handling companies because any proposed hike in rates would require the approval of the industry regulator – Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    He said :” The very act of getting new rates approved has its challenges as well. It is therefore not uncommon to see ticket prices rising geometrically while ground handling rates charged by service providers to airlines remain solidly stagnant.”

    He spoke of plans by NAHCO to re – invest in it’s facilities to enable it retain its position in the  ground handling and warehousing business.

    “Our push towards birthing a global integrated logistic giant is taking good shape with the coming into operations of new subsidiaries,” Fadeni said.

    Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Mr. Indranil Gupta said the company intends to diversify investment into other sectors of the economy to grow.

    He said NAHCO will continue to bless invest in operational equipment to drive sustainable growth .

     “We will continue to leverage our strength and market insights to pursue organic and strategic growth initiatives to expand our market presence and revenue streams

    “We plan to comprehensively refresh our fleet of ground support equipment to replace aging equipment and increase the numbers in our fleet to meet the ever increasing customer needs and expectations.

    “We are already embracing digitalization and innovation, investing in cutting edge technologies and solutions to enhance our service offerings, operational efficiency and competitiveness. By harnessing the power of data analytics, automation and predictive maintenance, we aim to stay ahead of the industry trends and deliver superior value to our clients,” Gupta said.

  • NAHCO chairman donates naira library to JABU

    NAHCO chairman donates naira library to JABU

    Chairman, Board of Directors of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, has donated a multi-million naira library block to the Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji -Arakeji, Osun State.

    The three-storey structure, the biggest on campus, will cater for the library needs of all departments in the school.

    Speaking at the hand-over of keys of the library to the President, CAC Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, Fadeni said it is important that students be assisted to learn, especially with the high level of distractions in the modern world.

    Read Also: Majority of Nigerians will bet on Euro 2024, DashTickets research claims

    He stated: “The students don’t want to read anymore; and you can’t really blame them. In someone’s phone alone, you can find about 10 social media apps. The world is becoming something else. But those who are ready to read, who are ready to study and to focus, we should assist them in achieving what they want to achieve.”

    The NAHCO Chairman promised to make the library conducive and equipped as a modern learning facility for all cadres of students from undergraduate to doctorate levels.

    Fadeni assured the CAC hierarchy, including the President, Oladele; Pastor E.O. Adejobi, the General Superintendent and Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, the General Evangelist, all present at the event, that he would still do more than just donate the building.

    He declared: “The physical body is there. I have given you my word; by the grace of God, whatever is supposed to be in a modern library, the computers, the shelves, and other things would be provided.”

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olasebikan Alade Fakolujo, extolled the virtues of the NAHCO Chairman pointing out that such acts of kindness and generosity that Fadeni exhibited exemplify his commitment to education and societal progress.

    He said: “Today, we have this magnificent edifice, which stands out of all the structures on campus and compares favourably with some of the best library building in the first – generation universities in Nigeria, as fulfilment of the promise made by the donor. The Dr. Fadeni Library is a multi-million naira three-storey building, which at this particular time is praiseworthy. The gesture is dear to us as a university community.”

    Fakolujo pointed out that there was no iota of doubt that one of the critical challenges facing Nigeria today is the lack of modern library facilities that support development and strengthen the country’s university education system.

    He noted that by investing in a library for Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Dr. Fadeni is indirectly also contributing to the strengthening of not only the country’s university system, but also the very bedrock of nation building.

  • More Nigerians should embrace exportation, says NAHCO boss

    More Nigerians should embrace exportation, says NAHCO boss

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has advised the nation’s entrepreneurs to explore huge opportunities in agro produce exportation where the country has enormous potential.

    The Group Managing Director (GMD)/Chief Executive Officer (NAHCO), Indranil Gupta, said this while addressing aviation reporters in Lagos.

    The NAHCO boss urged more Nigerians to embrace exportation to reverse the import-dependence trend.

    Gupta said there was high craving for Nigerian agro produce across other African countries but the supplies were not enough, hence the need for more Nigerians to go into export to bridge the gap.

    The NAHCO boss advised Nigerians to begin with export to Africa and extend to the rest of the globe to create wealth and grow the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    He said Nigerians should seize the inter and intra continental opportunities, but start from the African market.

    “Nigeria can be the breadbasket of this continent. Producers must recognise the rich potential in both intercontinental and intracontinental trade,” Gupta said.

    According to him, NAHCO recently unveiled its export processing centre in Lagos to provide a one-stop shop for farmers to complete processes needed for export.

    Read Also: Can of worms

    Gupta said the facility in Lagos was the first among five of such centres that would also be developed in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Kano to boost Nigeria’s export policy.

    The NAHCO boss said the centres, which are in all geopolitical zones in Nigeria, would enhance the country’s export drive and standardise export processing system.

    He said Nigeria has fertile land and great farming potential but needs to adopt strategies to add value to agricultural produce for acceptability of brands and to increase the market value chain.

    Gupta said NAHCO was providing a platform for linking farmers and middlemen to export markets, adding that Nigeria’s cargo was currently nearly 95 per cent import dependent.

    The GMD explained that exporting provides opportunity for foreign exchange earnings for the nation.

    He also expressed hope that the purchasing power of Nigerians would improve to increase the nation’s air passengers’ traffic, which would also impact exportation positively.

    Gupta admitted that the economic downturn affected Ground Support Equipment (GSE) investments.

    The NAHCO boss said the agency was planning to invest N1 billion in cargo export, focusing on five major airports.

    He also said there were collaborative efforts with security agencies towards tackling crime and criminality.

  • NAHCO seals deal to consolidate market share

    NAHCO seals deal to consolidate market share

    In a move that confirms its dominance of the ground handling sub-sector of the Nigerian aviation industry NAHCO Aviance, has signed series of contracts to provide service to eight international and domestic operators.

    In a statement issued after the New Year holiday, the Company disclosed that NAHCO will handle long – term client and partner, Egypt Air, effective January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028.

    With the new deal , Egypt Air has joined the list of NAHCO’s clients with five -year contracts, in addition to Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines which    recently increased NAHCO’s share of its warehousing wallet.

    The contract with Egypt Air, the company said rounded off the list of contracts entered into with a number of airlines including – Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace for domestic, regional and international operations; Rwand Air  at Kano Airport , ASKY; Air Maroc, DHL Aviation, Dana Air and Astra Aviation.

     The contracts, excluding Egypt Air’s, are for three years each.

    Read Also; BAT Parties and FCCPC

    Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Indranil Gupta, expressed his delight about the development saying the Company will always be the go–to ground handler in the country.

    He said: “These partnerships underscore the confidence our clients place in the excellence and efficiency which NAHCO is synonymous with. Our dedicated and robust workforce is committed to upholding the highest operational standards. We remain unwavering in our pursuit of continuous growth and improvement, always exceeding expectations to ensure client satisfaction.”

    The Group Executive Director, Commercial & Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi acknowledged the competition in the industry but added nonetheless that NAHCO will always be the provider that airlines will partner with.

    According to him, the Company has a strong and dedicated workforce that is second to none in the industry.

    “It is very clear that NAHCO is a strong and efficient brand that has endured more than 44 years of aviation handling efficiency and high-quality standards. Our professional and operating ethics set us far above other operators, and this is further proven by our growing list of satisfied local and international airlines partners. We will deliver on our promises, and we will deliver service beyond expectations,” Prince Lasisi stated.

    Lasisi disclosed that the first set of modern GSE which the Company had paid for will arrive the shores of Nigeria this Q1, 2024.

    He explained that the investment in modern GSE is strategic as NAHCO seeks to expand its operations and further delight its clients.

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) is the first and biggest ground handling company in Nigeria providing excellent service to majority of international airlines and their local counterparts.