BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) has received a historic approval from the Federal Government to handle shipments containing radioactive materials at its airport facilities, marking a first in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The unique authorisation was jointly granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), as confirmed in a communiqué issued after a high-level meeting held on February 25, 2025, in Abuja.
The communiqué, signed on behalf of both agencies by Mr. Jamil Salau, Assistant General Manager (Legal), NNRA, for the Director-General/CEO, Dr. Yau Usman Idris, emphasised that the approval lifts previous restrictions on the import and export of radioactive materials, paving the way for NAHCO to facilitate such specialized shipments.
“All importers and exporters of radioactive material previously affected by the closure should contact NAHCO for the import and export of radioactive material, which was affected by the embargo earlier imposed,” the statement read.
The approval of NAHCO’s handling of radioactive shipments was a key resolution from the Abuja meeting, which was convened to deliberate on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NCAA and NNRA on September 1, 2023.
Other decisions reached at the meeting included the adoption of NNRA’s implementation framework, the formation of a dedicated technical working group to oversee the MoU’s execution, and the development of a joint action plan with specific timelines.
The meeting also agreed on the launch of specialized training programs, the scheduling of emergency preparedness drills, and the harmonization of licensing validity periods between the two agencies.
Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on establishing a seamless system for regulatory information-sharing to ensure compliance with global safety standards.
The significance of this approval has not gone unnoticed in the industry.
Prince Saheed Lasisi, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, described it as a major breakthrough for businesses that rely on the safe transportation of radioactive materials, particularly international airlines and companies in the oil and gas sector.
“NAHCO is solving these challenges for our clients, especially the big international airlines and IOCs that require this approval to move critical shipments with radioactive contents in and out of the country,” he stressed.
Expressing his appreciation, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, Group Managing Director/CEO of NAHCO Plc, lauded the NCAA and NNRA for their confidence in the company’s capabilities.
He assured stakeholders that NAHCO has implemented rigorous compliance measures, advanced safety protocols, and a highly trained team of professionals to handle radioactive shipments with absolute adherence to international regulatory standards.
His words; “Our company has established clear, diligent, and thorough processes to ensure full compliance with all procedural requirements. We are committed to upholding the highest safety and security standards in executing this highly specialized function.”
With this landmark approval, NAHCO has further cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading ground handling service provider, setting a new benchmark for specialized cargo operations.
The company’s enhanced capabilities are expected to have far-reaching benefits, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, and scientific research, where the transportation of radioactive materials plays a crucial role.
Industry observers anticipate that the approval will not only enhance Nigeria’s standing in global aviation logistics but also bolster investor confidence, ensuring that the country remains a key player in specialized cargo handling across the region.
