Aviation Handling Company Demands Duty Waiver On Ground Equipment Import

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCO) has called on the federal government to provide tax incentives for the importation of ground handling equipment to boost operational efficiency across the aviation sector.

The managing director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, appealed during an interactive session with members of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) over the weekend.

Aboderin, who emphasised the company’s commitment to operational excellence, technology, and infrastructure upgrades, revealed significant growth in SAHCO’s assets. According to her, the company’s asset base has increased from $40 billion to $57.1 billion, representing a 31 per cent growth.

She noted that SAHCO has invested heavily in modern, green, and sustainable ground-handling equipment to replace ageing assets.

“Profit Before Tax (PBT) is 83 percent growth from $4.6 billion to $8 billion. Our total assets increased from $40 billion to $57.1 billion, representing a 31 per cent growth. We invested heavily in assets, infrastructure, and also equipment, green equipment, sustainable equipment. We’re trying to ensure that our ageing equipment is phased out gradually. More acquisitions are coming in there.”

Aboderin added that SAHCO now has the highest number of charging points for electric vehicles in airports across Nigeria.

“So, a lot of our fleets now are being phased out, the old ones. And what we’re getting are new electric ones. And we’re also installing solar-powered charging stations so that it’s not just electric, you know. Even when there’s a problem with the lights, they can still be charged by solar energy. So, we have a sustainable plan up to 2028… Currently, we have the most charging points at all the airports. We’ve just increased by another four charging points at the airside here.”

According to Aboderin, SAHCO’s growth strategy is being driven by digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

“SAHCO has rolled out e-billing, an in-house flight app and a budget-monitoring app, and has created Resource Allocators. We’re also installing solar-powered charging stations, to maximise the use of scarce equipment and personnel. Cybersecurity upgrades have also yielded a 27 per cent year-on-year cost saving.”

On certifications, she said, “Certifications remain a cornerstone of SAHCO’s reputation. The firm holds the most SACOR certifications among West African handlers and has renewed its IATA, RE3 cargo security, ISO QMS and ISO 14001 environmental management credentials.

A new training academy, set to partner with African nations, will also offer commercial aviation courses locally, reducing the need for overseas training.”

Aboderin disclosed that the company is expanding its operations across the country, currently operating at 21–22 airports, including new partnerships with Bayelsa and Gateway airports, and providing services to over 25 domestic and international airlines.

In its cargo business, SAHCO has upgraded its cold-room facilities and introduced real-time cargo-tracking technology, positioning Lagos as a major transit point for temperature-sensitive cargo destined for the UK and other international markets.

The company is also set to launch an e-commerce logistics platform and is diversifying into the oil and gas sector through a new helicopter-service subsidiary.