Over the last three years, NAHCO has transformed its ground handling capacity through the acquisition of more than 271 new ground support equipment, a move the company describes as the backbone of its impressive operational improvements. The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc used this achievement as the centrepiece of an evening of appreciation, telling its partners that their support remains the foundation of everything the organisation has accomplished. The dinner, held on Friday, 5 December 2025, brought together airlines, cargo operators, regulators and a wide community of aviation players who have helped shape the company’s progress.
The Chairman of the Board, Director General Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Dr Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, told the gathering that NAHCO values every partner and views their cooperation as the reason the company continues to excel in the highly competitive aviation services landscape. He explained that the organisation remains committed to strengthening service quality and is already implementing measures to ensure that performance standards continue to rise. He noted that the consistency of support from clients and regulators has helped position the company as a pace setter not only within Nigeria but across the sub-region.
Fadeni’s remarks set the tone for the evening, which celebrated the steady progress the company has made in service delivery, operational technology and fleet renewal. The Chairman emphasised that NAHCO’s success has never been accidental. Rather, it is the product of deliberate investment, disciplined strategy and a sustained belief in the company’s ability to lead the market. He reminded guests that their trust encouraged the organisation to continue investing in new capability, including the recent equipment acquisitions that now form the bulk of its daily operations.
Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, further highlighted the company’s evolution. In his presentation, he explained that NAHCO has sustained its leadership position by consistently setting benchmarks for excellence within the Nigerian aviation industry. He described the organisation’s commitment to safe, efficient and reliable operations as uncompromising, and noted that the company’s long-term vision remains centred on being the nation’s preferred service provider. According to him, this vision is supported by ongoing investment in manpower development, technical upgrades and the strategic deployment of experienced professionals who ensure the smooth running of operations.
Lasisi emphasised that safety remains the company’s primary value. He explained that every decision, from fleet overhaul to operational restructuring, is guided by a deep commitment to safety. He stated that this approach is what customers have come to associate with NAHCO, and he pledged that the organisation would never deviate from this standard. With partnerships growing stronger and a renewed focus on innovation, he expressed confidence that the company is well positioned to deliver enhanced value to clients in the coming years.
Speaking on the capital investments made in ground support equipment and cargo technology, Lasisi revealed that NAHCO has acquired over 271 new GSE within a three-year period. He said this achievement reflects only a fraction of the company’s long-term plans. He added that 35 new tractors were brought into the country within a single month and have already been commissioned. He described the goal of the refleeting programme as complete renewal, ensuring that clients see only modern equipment whenever they observe NAHCO at work. He also highlighted the progress in cargo processing, especially in export packaging, where new technology is being deployed to ensure that perishable goods leaving Nigeria meet international acceptance standards. He noted that the organisation’s Export Processing Centre is currently the only one of its kind in the country, and that plans are underway to establish similar centres across other regions.
Throughout the evening, partners and guests, including representatives of major international and domestic airlines, regulatory institutions and cargo agencies, expressed appreciation for the company’s rapid response time and improved service delivery. Many commended the organisation for demonstrating professionalism during emergencies and for showing leadership at critical moments. Their remarks echoed the central message of the night: NAHCO’s achievements are deeply connected to the trust and collaboration of its stakeholders, and the company intends to keep building on that partnership to shape the future of ground handling in Nigeria.
