BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has described ground handling as a critical part of the aviation industry, saying it is essential to the safety, security and smooth operation of air transport.
Afolabi said ground handling services play a major role in ensuring that airlines and airports operate efficiently, stressing that the sector must receive greater attention as Nigeria works to build a stronger aviation industry.
He made the remarks at an international conference of aeronautical engineers themed “Aeronautical Engineering and National Development: Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry.”
Afolabi, who was represented at the conference by SAHCO Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said the gathering provided an important platform for professionals and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, develop partnerships and discuss technological and policy solutions for the aviation sector.
He said SAHCO remained committed to improving its operations through innovation, the adoption of international best practices, investment in modern equipment and the development of a highly skilled workforce.
According to him, the changing demands of the aviation industry require ground handling companies to continuously improve their equipment, technology and personnel.
The SAHCO chairman said the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry could not be achieved by one organisation or segment of the sector alone, stressing the need for closer cooperation among government agencies, educational institutions, aviation operators, private companies and development partners.
“It is through collaboration among government institutions, academia, industry stakeholders, development partners, and the private sector that can collectively reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry as a catalyst for national development and regional leadership,” he said.
Afolabi also identified aeronautical engineering as a major pillar of a strong aviation system, noting that engineers play a critical role in aircraft safety, efficient operations, technological development and the growth of local technical skills.
He said Nigeria needed to invest more in engineering education, research, infrastructure and human capital if the country was to meet international aviation standards and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to strengthen its aviation ecosystem, investment in engineering capacity, research, infrastructure, and human capital will be indispensable to achieving world-class standards and unlocking new opportunities across the industry,” he said.
Afolabi described the conference theme as timely, particularly as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its aviation industry and make it more competitive internationally.
He said the theme reflected the country’s ambition to build an aviation sector that was resilient, innovative and capable of contributing significantly to economic development.
According to him, a well-developed aviation industry can support economic growth by improving connectivity, facilitating trade and tourism, creating jobs and opening up opportunities for investment and technology transfer.
He said the role of ground handlers should also be recognised within this broader development because their services support several critical activities required to keep aircraft and airports operating safely and efficiently.
Afolabi stressed that continued investment in modern ground handling equipment and skilled personnel would be necessary to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s aviation market.
He added that adopting global standards and embracing new technologies would help improve service delivery while strengthening the competitiveness of Nigerian aviation businesses.
The SAHCO chairman commended the organisers of the conference for bringing together aeronautical engineers, aviation professionals, government representatives and other experts from different parts of the world.
He said the exchange of ideas at the event would help generate practical solutions capable of shaping the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Afolabi expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between industry stakeholders and professionals would help Nigeria develop the technical capacity required to compete effectively in the global aviation market.
He reiterated SAHCO’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote professionalism, innovation, safety and human-capital development across the aviation industry.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
