….CEO Showcases Green Investments, Seeks Tax Relief On Imported Equipment
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) is stepping into what its Managing Director, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, described as “a defining growth phase,” as the company posted stronger earnings, deepened its technological backbone, modernised its equipment fleet and expanded aggressively across Nigeria and into new African markets.
The company also appealed for tax relief and other incentives on imported equipment to further bolster expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Addressing industry stakeholders in Lagos at the weekend, Aboderin said SAHCO had maintained resilience despite the aviation sector’s stiff headwinds, including rising inflation, crippling foreign-exchange costs, higher utility tariffs and increasingly expensive imported spare parts.
The managing director noted that despite these pressures, the company “remains committed to delivering value to airlines, agents, shareholders and the entire aviation ecosystem” across more than 22 locations nationwide.
Mrs Aboderin provided an overview of SAHCO’s performance using naira-converted figures to give clearer context for the domestic market.
Revenue rose to an equivalent of about ₦47.5 billion, up from ₦30.1 billion in the same period last year, representing a 58 percent leap.
Gross profit also climbed from ₦18 billion to ₦27 billion, reflecting improved operational efficiency and tighter resource management.
“Profit before tax grew sharply to ₦15 billion, representing an 83 percent increase from ₦8 billion in the previous year.
“Total assets expanded from ₦40 billion to ₦57.1 billion, driven by ongoing investments in green equipment, infrastructure renewal and digital tools. Income tax obligations stood at ₦1.5 billion, while total comprehensive income closed at approximately ₦12.8 billion.
“These results show that SAHCO is on a strong upward trajectory. We have deliberately placed emphasis on people, processes and best practices. We’re boosting capacity, becoming more efficient and preparing for even stronger future growth”, she said.
According to her, a major pillar of that growth is technology, adding that SAHCO has introduced e-billing, enabling real-time invoicing and payment processing.
She also revealed that the newly established Resource Allocators Department has helped the company achieve more precise deployment of equipment and personnel, ultimately cutting waste and elevating service delivery.
The company also developed a proprietary flight application, a budgeting performance tool and enhanced digital documentation systems. Strengthened cybersecurity safeguards now support these systems.
Aboderin noted that the combined effect of these enhancements led to a 27 percent year-on-year cost reduction.
“We now run on technology-driven processes. Efficiency is not accidental; it’s engineered”, she said.
In regulatory compliance, the CEO said SAHCO is consolidating its status as Nigeria’s most certified aviation handling provider.
From IATA certifications to cargo security approvals and multiple ISO standards, its stations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt continue to undergo rigorous audits and renewals.
Staff recertification programmes are also underway, with teams travelling abroad for technical training.
Another flagship initiative is the transformation of the SAHCO Training School.
With full regulatory authorisation secured, the centre will soon begin offering commercial aviation courses to local and international participants.
A much larger training complex is currently being developed, with long-term plans to evolve it into a full aviation academy.
On the operational side, she said SAHCO is executing a massive upgrade of its ground support equipment (GSE).
The company owns the largest GSE fleet in West Africa and is now replacing older diesel-powered units with modern electric alternatives to cut long-term operating costs and reduce environmental impact.
Several solar-powered charging stations have been installed at Lagos and Abuja airports, providing uninterrupted power for the new fleet.
“This is the direction of global aviation. Electric equipment reduces fuel dependency, lowers emissions and strengthens operational reliability”, she noted.
Cargo operations have also undergone extensive overhauls. With exports spiking due to the weakened naira, SAHCO has expanded drop-off areas, introduced more vehicle lanes and upgraded mandatory screening systems in line with new TSA requirements.
These include new 5DX scanners, additional ETT machines and a soon-to-be-completed tunnel system designed to speed up processing and prevent cargo delays.
“We invested heavily in these upgrades because cargo volumes have surged. Exporters now rely on our facilities as a key lifeline.
“Temperature-sensitive goods trucked from neighbouring countries pass through SAHCO because of our cold chain reliability. This is a standard we must maintain”, she maintained.
She also announced the company’s foray into e-commerce logistics, expected to launch in the first quarter of next year.
The initiative, developed in partnership with local and international firms, will include a digital distribution hub with full tracking, order management and reliable delivery systems.
On the expansion front, she disclosed that SAHCO has secured new operating agreements in Bayelsa Airport, where it now serves as pioneer handler, and continues to strengthen partnerships with state-owned airports across the country.
The company now serves more than 25 domestic and international airlines, with recent additions including Air Tanzania, Air Algeria, ValueJet Regional, United Nigeria Regional and Ethiopian Airlines in Abuja.
SAHCO, she noted, is also in advanced discussions with multiple African countries seeking improved ground handling standards.
Aboderin disclosed that at least two African operations will launch before the end of the first quarter of next year, with more expected before year-end.
To diversify revenue and expand service offerings, she revealed that SAHCO has launched new subsidiaries such as SIPA SAHCO Aviation, a helicopter service geared towards the oil and gas sector, and SS Travels, which handles ticketing and logistics.
The company’s airport lounge business also continues to serve travellers across key airports.
Aboderin stressed that SAHCO’s growth is tied fundamentally to its personnel. The company recently approved a salary increase to help cushion the cost-of-living crisis, while sustaining welfare programmes and continuous training.
“Technology alone is not enough. You must match it with skilled people,” she said.
Summarising the company’s performance, she highlighted SAHCO’s 82 percent profit growth, 57 percent revenue jump and significant asset expansion as proof that the company’s strategy is working.
“If we sustain this level of operational discipline, innovation and partnership, the future for SAHCO is extremely bright.
“We are building a company that will not only dominate West Africa but also set new standards for aviation support services across the continent”, she said.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
