Ogun State Selects SAHCO as Sole Ground Handler for Gateway International Airport Appointment Positions SAHCO to Drive Efficiency and Growth at Iperu’s New Aviation Hub

Ogun State Selects SAHCO as Sole Ground Handler for Gateway International Airport Appointment Positions SAHCO to Drive Efficiency and Growth at Iperu’s New Aviation Hub
By Our Correspondent

In a move that underscores growing confidence in local capacity, the Ogun State Government has named Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, SAHCO, as the exclusive ground handling operator at Gateway International Airport, Iperu. The appointment makes SAHCO responsible for all ground handling services at the newly commissioned airport, placing the company at the core of operations for one of Nigeria’s most strategic aviation projects.

Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, said the decision reflects the company’s proven track record and its ability to support the operational demands of modern airports. She noted that the appointment comes at a time when Nigeria is expanding aviation infrastructure, and SAHCO’s role will be critical to ensuring Gateway Airport starts strong and maintains high service standards.

SAHCO Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CON, said the appointment validates the company’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence, safety, and reliable service delivery. He explained that being chosen as the sole ground handler demonstrates the trust Ogun State has in SAHCO’s expertise and its consistent performance across major airports nationwide.

According to Dr. Afolabi, the mandate further reinforces SAHCO’s resolve to support the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry through sustained investment in modern ground support equipment, continuous training of personnel, and deployment of innovative service solutions. He assured that the company is fully equipped to deliver seamless operations at Gateway Airport while maintaining the same service quality it provides at other airports across the country.

He revealed that SAHCO has also partnered with Allied Air, a Nigerian cargo airline, to manage cargo operations at the airport. The partnership will focus on efficient processing of imports and exports through Gateway Airport’s modern warehouse facility, with special attention to time-sensitive and high-value shipments. He added that this will strengthen logistics capacity for agriculture, manufacturing, and e-commerce businesses that depend on fast, secure cargo movement.

During the commissioning of the airport, SAHCO delivered full ground handling support, including ramp services, passenger facilitation, cargo handling, and other operational services. The company’s involvement helped ensure that the event met international operational standards and set the tone for future activities at the airport.

Dr. Afolabi expressed confidence that the operationalization of Gateway International Airport will improve regional connectivity, drive economic growth in Ogun State, and attract new trade and investment opportunities. He reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to work closely with the Ogun State Government, aviation regulators, and other stakeholders to build sustainable operations that deliver value to airlines, passengers, cargo clients, and the local economy.