SAHCO Strengthens Cold-Chain, Heavy Cargo Capacity to Serve Nigerian Businesses

SAHCO Strengthens Cold-Chain, Heavy Cargo Capacity to Serve Nigerian Businesses

By Prince Benson Davies

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s air cargo industry have been urged to embrace stronger collaboration, mutual trust and shared responsibility as a pathway to improving efficiency and positioning the country as a competitive cargo hub in West Africa.

The call was made by the Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, at the SAHCO Plc Cargo Stakeholders Forum held on Thursday in Lagos. The forum brought together airlines, freight forwarders, cargo agents, regulators, importers, exporters and other service providers to examine operational challenges and explore practical solutions for cargo handling and logistics across Nigerian airports.

Represented by the Managing Director of the company, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, Afolabi said the air cargo sector remains a critical driver of international trade, market connectivity and economic development. He noted that for Nigerian businesses to compete effectively in the global marketplace, cargo operations must be fast, reliable, secure and efficient.

According to him, the interconnected nature of the global economy means that delays or inefficiencies at any point in the cargo chain can affect the competitiveness of exporters and the cost of doing business for importers.

Aboderin said SAHCO understands that its success is directly linked to the success of every player in the cargo value chain. She stressed that from airlines and freight forwarders to regulatory agencies and service providers, all stakeholders share responsibility for ensuring cargo moves safely and seamlessly through Nigerian airports.

She explained that no single operator can achieve sustainable progress in isolation, and that progress will only come through deliberate partnership and open communication among all parties.

The forum also provided an opportunity for SAHCO to highlight its recent investments in equipment, infrastructure and technology aimed at improving service delivery and customer experience.

Among the new additions to the company’s fleet are a dual-view X-ray machine for advanced cargo screening, a trace-detection machine to support security checks and a 16-tonne forklift designed to handle heavy and oversized consignments.

Aboderin said the investments reflect SAHCO’s commitment to cargo security, regulatory compliance and the safe handling of shipments entrusted to its care.

She noted that the 16-tonne forklift has strengthened the company’s capacity to move heavy cargo, improve loading and offloading operations, and reduce turnaround time for airlines and customers.

The company has also strengthened its cold-chain handling capabilities to cater for temperature-sensitive shipments such as pharmaceuticals and perishable goods.

According to the Managing Director, the investment in specialised cold-chain facilities is intended to protect the quality and integrity of sensitive shipments and help customers avoid losses arising from temperature-related damage.

She added that by strengthening this area, SAHCO aims to support cargo integrity, reduce risks and provide greater value to customers whose businesses depend on the safe and timely movement of sensitive goods.

The SAHCO chairman also disclosed that the company had expanded its cargo build-up operational area to improve workflow, optimise available space and accommodate growing cargo volumes.

He however cautioned that modern equipment and infrastructure alone would not guarantee operational excellence without a competent workforce, strict compliance with safety procedures and effective communication among industry partners.

The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify operational bottlenecks, exchange feedback and explore practical ways to reduce cargo turnaround times, strengthen security standards and facilitate trade.

Participants at the event welcomed the engagement, describing it as timely and necessary to deepen trust and ensure that Nigeria’s air cargo sector meets international standards.