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Tag: SAHCO

  • SAHCO officiials, others arrested for tagging luggage stuffed with drugs in pilgrims’ names

    SAHCO officiials, others arrested for tagging luggage stuffed with drugs in pilgrims’ names

    Two staff members of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, and Jazuli Kabir, have confessed to framing Maryam Hussain Abdullahi and two other pilgrims.

    They accepted N100,000 each to tag pilgrims’ bags containing illicit substances. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the men were part of a criminal syndicate.

    This syndicate operated at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano.

    Following detection of these drugs, the three Nigerian pilgrims were detained in Saudi Arabia. Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddiq, were headed for execution if found guilty. The pilgrims boarded an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 on August 6, this year. The flight was from Kano to Jeddah en route Addis-Ababa. The three were, unfortunately, tagged with six extra bags. Three of these bags were found to contain illicit drugs.

    According to a statement from NDLEA, “The bags were tagged and checked in by members of staff of Skyway Aviation Handling Company, who are also members of the criminal syndicate, to the names of the three complainants secretly and without their knowledge or consent. The bags illegally tagged against the complainants’ names are the ones intercepted in Saudi Arabia and found to contain the illicit drug substances. For the above reasons, the three complainants were arrested and detained for crimes they had no knowledge of.”

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    Six members of the syndicate are in NDLEA custody. Four have been charged to court. They are the 55-year-old drug kingpin Ali Abubakar Mohammed (aka Bello Karama), Abdulbasit Adamu, Murtala Akande Olalekan, and Celestina Emmanuel Yayock.

    Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the suspects made confessional statements.

    Ali admitted to bringing in seven bags. Celestina confessed to checking in two of them for N100,000. Another suspect, Jazuli Kabir, checked in two other bags and also collected N100,000. Ali travelled with the remaining three bags on Egypt Air.

    The NDLEA has receipts of the money transfer.The sum of N200,000 went from Ali to Celestina. Celestina, then, transferred N100,000 to Jazuli.

    A swift NDLEA investigation uncovered the plot. It was prompted by complaints from the victims’ families. The bags were traced back to the drug kingpin, Abubakar. He was the mastermind behind the operation. The bags were secretly checked in by members of the criminal syndicate.

    The two SAHCO staff, Yayock and Kabir, confessed to checking in the fraudulent bags in the name of the pilgrims. They were paid N100,000 each for the job. They are in NDLEA custody, along with Abubakar and other syndicate members. They are facing multiple charges.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.- Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), is engaging with his Saudi counterparts. He plans to present the agency’s findings to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.

    This is to prove the innocence of the three Nigerians. They are clearly victims of a criminal conspiracy.

    The NDLEA statement read: “In the light of the foregoing, and the evidence gathered by the Agency in the course of our investigation, it is clear that Mrs. Maryam Abdullahi and two others who are being detained in Saudi are victims of circumstance, implicated by the activities of a criminal syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.”

  • SAHCO deploys hi-tech equipment for cargo screening

    SAHCO deploys hi-tech equipment for cargo screening

    Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has deployed its newly acquired explosive trace detection technology to boost its capacity in screening cargo at airports nationwide.

    SAHCO, according to a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Mrs Adetola Uansohia, is the first organisation in the aviation value chain to integrate this advanced system: Rapiscan Intemiser 5X –  Explosive Trace Detection (ETD), technology in ensuring precise detection of explosives and narcotics, meeting crucial safety standards for both importing and exporting cargo to the United States and other Western countries.

    She said the Itemiser 5X is widely recognised and recommended by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its superior security screening capabilities.

    By integrating this advanced technology, SAHCO, she said, is strengthening  its position as a leader in aviation ground handling and security compliance.

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    The SAHCO official said :”  This investment underscores SAHCO’s unwavering commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and internationally compliant cargo operations.

    Furthermore, the Itemiser 5X represents a major advancement in security screening, featuring an optimized detection library that can identify a wide range of explosives and narcotics.

    “Its advanced software algorithm enhances accuracy and efficiency, making it a crucial addition to SAHCO’s security infrastructure. To further strengthen security measures, SAHCO has strategically deployed three units of the Itemiser 5X across its major operational hubs, reinforcing its commitment to global security standards.

    “Designed for superior performance, the Itemiser 5X incorporates a fast clear-down mechanism that efficiently removes residual explosive traces after detection, ensuring seamless operations. Its innovative desorber design and sample wand improve sample collection accuracy, while remote monitoring capabilities allow real-time system oversight through a dedicated console.

    “Engineered for ease of use, the machine is lightweight, portable, and equipped with a built-in handle for convenient transport. Its advanced features include stable humidity control, a high-capacity hard drive for reliable performance, and an automated internal calibration system that reduces consumable usage while maximizing detection accuracy.

    “ Additionally, the non-radioactive ionization source eliminates the need for annual wipe tests and special licensing, simplifying compliance requirements.

    “SAHCO remains the only aviation ground handling company operating in all commercial airports across Nigeria.

    “Equipped with state-of-the-art Ground Support Equipment and highly trained personnel, SAHCO continues to provide world class aviation handling services like Passenger handling Services, Baggage Handling Services, Ramp handling services, Cargo handling and warehousing, crew administration, Aviation security amongst other services.”

  • SAHCO sacks officials staff over extortion

    SAHCO sacks officials staff over extortion

    • By Kelvin Osa Okunbor and Motunrayo Akintunde

    The Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SACHO) has laid off one of its staff allegedly involved in an extortion of N100, 000 from one Oyewale Oyesiji, an Osun State-based automobile engineer, through an air ticket racketeering

    The staff, one:  Isaac Gbolahan Ogumefu, was said to have requested the sum to purchase an air ticket for the engineer.

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    Investigation by our correspondent into the matter revealed that the management of the handling company was aware of the alleged extortion and has commenced investigations

    A top management staff of the company who pleaded anonymity said the truth will be unravelled and justice carried out.

    “Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC is aware of the recent report regarding the allegation of extortion involving one of our staff members, who has reportedly been accused of extorting N100,000:00 from a Passenger”

    “We would like to use this opportunity to assure all our stakeholders that we are carrying out an investigation on the matter.”

  • SAHCO’s shareholders approve N406m dividend

    SAHCO’s shareholders approve N406m dividend

    Shareholders of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has approved the distribution of N406.074 million as cash dividends for the 2023 business year.

    Shareholders will receive a dividend per share of 30k.

     At the annual general meeting yesterday in Lagos, shareholders expressed appreciation for the company’s performance and urged the board to focus on new business ideas to further improve performance and ensure increased returns on investment.

    During the meeting, a shareholder, Mr Lawrence Oguntoye, praised the board and management for the firm’s impressive performance in 2023.

    Oguntoye urged them to exert more efforts to ensure higher returns for the shareholders.

    He, however, urged the management to prioritise new business ideas that would improve its performance.

    Another shareholder, Mr Olatunji Bamidele, acknowledged the board and management’s efforts to achieve better profitability in the challenging economic environment of 2023.

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    Bamidele urged the management to take action to recover the company’s outstanding debts from the debtors.

    Chairman, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Barrister Taiwo Afolabi assured shareholders of enhanced profitability and dividend in the current financial year ending December 31, 2024.

    He told the shareholders that the board and management would work tirelessly to achieve better profitability in 2024.

    Afolabi emphasised the company’s commitment to enhancing profitability and ensuring customer satisfaction through continued investment in state-of-the-art equipment.

  • Sahco boosts operations with equipment fleet

    Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has acquired a fleet of new baggage tow tractors.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Basil Agboarumi stated this in statement.

    The tow tractors which have the capacity to convey up to 40 tonnes of baggage or cargo, he said is the best of its kind in aviation ground handling equipment in Nigeria.

    The tow trucks, which were manufactured in Germany, combine comfort, safety and flexibility with the latest technology. They can convey up to 40 tonnes of baggage and cargo on a level ground and up to 40 tonnes on wet or hilly surfaces.

    Furthermore, the trucks are equipped with a tier 4 compliant engine, which is to significantly reduce emissions of particulate matter and Nitrogen to near-zero level. This is to abide by the European Environmental Agency policy, thereby making it environmental friendly with little or no emission.

    In addition, the Baggage tow tractors are very user friendly, prevents hernia and is very durable and rugged.

    Apart from SAHCO’s massive constant investment in trailblazing Ground Handling Equipment, it is also  worthy of note that SAHCO’s team of engineers have manufactured various equipment with locally sourced materials some  of which include fuel bowsers, toilet bowsers and baggage carts to further boost client satisfaction and to ensure speedy service delivery.

    The company’s immense investment in technology which has resulted in excellent performance has received a lot of accolades from various bodies across the world. Recently, SAHCO was adjudged ‘The best Ground Handling Company in West Africa’ during the 5th Accraweizo 2019, and was awarded ‘The most Innovative Ground Handling Company in Nigeria’ by The League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).

    Also SAHCO won a Service Provider Recognition award in the Indian Sub-Continent and Africa from Etihad Airways. The Lagos Station was awarded the best in on-time performance and excellent service delivery thereby beating the Asia region who has always been leading.

    Speaking on the success of the company after the privatization, The Director, Development Institutions & Natural Resources, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Chigbo Anichebe, who expressed the agency’s excitement over the outstanding performance of SAHCO during a routine post-privatisation assessment tour in Lagos, recently, particularly observed that SAHCO was doing a lot better than expected nine years after it was privatised.

    SAHCO, formerly known as Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited, was carved out of the liquidated Nigeria Airways Limited as part of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Aviation’s Reform of 1996. On the 23rd of December 2009, SAHCO was handed over to the Sifax Group by the Federal Government of Nigeria, after a keenly contested privatization in which Sifax Group came first as the preferred bidder with the sum of N5.52 billion Naira. The company was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange on the 23rd of April 2019.

    SAHCO is involved in all the activities that takes place from the time an aircraft touches down on the tarmac to the time it is airborne, while also ensuring that Aviation Ground Handling services is carried out in an efficient, speedy and safe manner by deploying the right tools.

     

  • SAHCO records N665.6m loss

    Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc recorded a net loss of N665.65 million in 2018 despite almost a quarter increase in the aviation handling company’s turnover.

    Key extracts from the audited report and accounts  SAHCO for the year ended December 31, 2018 showed that the company recorded a net loss of N665.65 million in 2018 as against net profit of N217.73 million in 2017. Loss before tax had stood at N302.9 million in 2018 compared with pre-tax profit of N125.90 million in 2018.

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    Total turnover had however increased by 23.19 per cent from N4.98 billion in 2017 to N6.14 billion in 2018. Earnings per share consequently turned negative from positive earnings of 51.23 kobo in 2017 to loss per share of 49.18 kobo in 2018. The company’s total assets meanwhile rose by 58.75 per cent from N14.59 billion in 2017 to N23.09 billion in 2018. Net assets per share also improved from N12.95 in 2017 to N14.01 in 2018.

    The board of directors of the company has indicated it would not be recommending any dividend payment based on the 2018 results.

    SAHCO had in April 2019 listed its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), after an initial public offering (IPO) that was undersubscribed by 35.35 per cent.

  • SAHCO to list shares on Stock Exchange

    Following the completion of its initial public offering (IPO), Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, will this week list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). SAHCO will be the second ground handling company to be listed at the stock market, after Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc.

    SAHCO had floated an IPO of 406.074 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N4.65 per share. The IPO was an offer for sale, implying that the net proceeds of the IPO would go to the existing majority core investor in SAHCO, which was divesting partially to allow retail minority ownerships. Ten per cent of the shares offered for sale were earmarked for staff of SAHCO under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to be set up and administered by a Trustee.

    The IPO, which opened on November 5, 2018 and was scheduled to close on December 19, 2018, was extended for 12 working days to January 09, 2019.

    The IPO was, however, undersubscribed by 35.35 per cent as the company was only able to raise N1.22 billion out of IPO value of N1.89 billion. Official final allotment report for the IPO showed that a total of 1,212 applications were received for 262.52 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N4.65 per share, totaling N1.22 billion.

    SAHCO was privatised by the Federal Government in 2009. Sifax Group acquired the entire share capital of the company. The Share Sale Purchase Agreement (SSPA) however mandates the majority core investor to divest 49 per cent of the shares of the company to the general Nigerian investing public.

    The board of the company had stated that SAHCO planned to ride on the back of the success of its IPO to further push its vision of becoming the leading provider of aviation handling services in the West African region.

  • SAHCO lists shares on NSE

    Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO ) Plc yesterday listed its entire paid up share capital of 1.35 billion shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The shares were listed at N4.65 per share.

    Managing Director, Skyway Aviation Handling Company  (SAHCO) Plc, Mr Basil Agboarumi, said the company decided to list on the NSE in line with transaction agreements it had with the Bureau of Public Enterprises  (BPE) when undergoing the privatisation process.

    He said the listing will give Nigerians the opportunity to participate in the company’s growth story.

    “The listing will also improve the liquidity and tradability of the company’s shares, increase the company’s visibility and credibility in the Nigerian market and beyond,” Agboarumi said.

    He added that the listing would also broaden the company’s access to capital in order to fund its future growth initiatives.

    Agboarumi said the key investment highlights that would attract investors were the company’s sound business model and scalable franchise, strong brand name and reputation, best-in-class facilities and experienced management team with deep expertise and competence.

    He stated that the future strategy of the company to grow was to expand service offerings, enter into strategic alliances and partnerships, increase customer lifetime value, develop the skills of employees and manage cost.

    Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange ( NSE ), Mr Oscar Onyema, said SAHCO was the first company under the  last privatisation programme to successfully finalise its listing on the NSE.

    He described the company as a good example to other companies.

    Onyema, who was represented by Executive Director, Regulations, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Tinuade Awe, said SAHCO would be adding N6.29 billion to the market capitalisation of the equities market.

    He said the listing of SAHCO on the NSE showed the confidence the company has in the exchange.

  • SAHCO to list shares on Stock Exchange

    Following the completion of its initial public offering (IPO), Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, will this week list its shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). SAHCO will be the second ground handling company to be listed at the stock market, after Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc.

    SAHCO had floated an IPO of 406.074 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N4.65 per share. The IPO was an offer for sale, implying that the net proceeds of the IPO would go to the existing majority core investor in SAHCO, which was divesting partially to allow retail minority ownerships. Ten per cent of the shares offered for sale were earmarked for staff of SAHCO under an Employee Stock Ownership Plan to be set up and administered by a Trustee.

    The IPO, which opened on November 5, 2018 and was scheduled to close on December 19, 2018, was extended for 12 working days to January 09, 2019.

    The IPO was, however, undersubscribed by 35.35 per cent as the company was only able to raise N1.22 billion out of IPO value of N1.89 billion. Official final allotment report for the IPO showed that a total of 1,212 applications were received for 262.52 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N4.65 per share, totaling N1.22 billion.

    SAHCO was privatised by the Federal Government in 2009. Sifax Group acquired the entire share capital of the company. The Share Sale Purchase Agreement (SSPA) however mandates the majority core investor to divest 49 per cent of the shares of the company to the general Nigerian investing public.

    The board of the company had stated that SAHCO planned to ride on the back of the success of its IPO to further push its vision of becoming the leading provider of aviation handling services in the West African region.

  • SAHCO, Virgin Atlantic seal cargo deal

    Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has signed a contract with Virgin Atlantic Airline to handle its cargo operations.

    SAHCO Plc was chosen by the airline based on the company’s track records in cargo handling, ramp handling, passenger handling and warehousing among other ground handling activities in the aviation sector in Nigeria and West Africa sub-region.

    Virgin Atlantic Cargo awarded the handling contract to SAHCO in Lagos to improve its service offering for customers in Nigeria and to provide growth capacity following a 19 per cent boost in the airline’s export volumes last year and higher inbound demand from the pharmaceutical and courier sectors.

    From last week, Virgin Atlantic’s import and export cargo will be handled in SAHCO’s 22,000 sqm warehouse operation at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. This incorporates special facilities, including cold rooms for perishables and temperature-sensitive shipments, and dedicated locations for courier and high value cargo. The warehouse building’s 22 truck loading bays will expedite collections and deliveries of cargo, while 24/7 CCTV coverage, access control systems, screening technology and a control room will ensure the highest levels of security.

    According to Tonia Boye, Director–Cargo Operations, Virgin Atlantic, the contract with SAHCO Plc will help boost the company’s cargo business. In her words “Lagos has been an important cargo market for us for more than 17 years and we are forecasting further growth in our export and import volumes this year. By moving to a larger and modern facility, we can improve our product and service offerings for the growing number of companies moving goods to and from Nigeria.”