BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To ensure aviation industry’s growth, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has convened a key Cargo Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum aimed at strengthening collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning industry efforts with national economic goals.
The high-level gathering brought together key players in the cargo value chain, including clearing agents, exporters, freight forwarders, and logistics professionals, for a robust dialogue on repositioning Nigeria’s cargo sector as a major contributor to economic diversification.
The event also provided a platform for deliberating on reforms, emerging challenges, and opportunities for innovation.
In her welcome address, SAHCO’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, represented by Mrs. Boma Ukwunna, Executive Director of Cargo Services, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their continuous support and partnership.
She emphasized that the meeting was more than a celebration of progress; it was a strategic space to “share insights, identify challenges, and reinforce industry partnerships.”
Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Honourable Bola Ashiru, praised SAHCO for its forward-looking investments in infrastructure, notably its state-of-the-art cold storage facility.
According to him, “This investment has not only improved the handling of temperature-sensitive goods but has also created employment opportunities.”
He called on stakeholders and policymakers to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil and elevate the cargo sector as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic development.
A representative of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) emphasized the urgency of embracing digital transformation across the industry.
As port and cargo processes shift toward full automation, the representative advised all stakeholders to equip themselves with basic digital literacy skills.
“To remain competitive in a tech-driven environment, industry participants must embrace digital tools and upskill appropriately,” the representative said.
Addressing the forum, Mrs. Boma Ukwunna reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to continuous investment in advanced ground support equipment (GSE) and world-class warehousing solutions.
“SAHCO currently operates some of the most sophisticated handling equipment and facilities in Nigeria,” she noted, adding that these investments are tailored to enhance compliance, speed, and efficiency across cargo operations.
The meeting also tackled several pressing issues, including the substandard packaging of Nigerian export products, which hampers competitiveness in international markets.
Participants stressed the need for improved packaging standards and better traceability mechanisms to ensure that goods can be accounted for from point of origin to final destination.
Additionally, the forum highlighted the consequences of a skills gap within the freight forwarding and clearing sector.
The lack of formal training, stakeholders noted, contributes to documentation errors, unethical practices, and the proliferation of touts within the industry.
To address these challenges, participants advocated for proper certification, structured training programs, and stricter regulatory oversight.
“For the cargo sector to become more efficient and globally competitive, professionalism must be prioritized through training and certification,” one stakeholder observed.
The Cargo Stakeholders’ Meeting concluded with a shared vision to foster deeper cooperation, implement critical reforms, and set clear priorities for the future of Nigeria’s cargo logistics ecosystem.
SAHCO, through its leadership in innovation and stakeholder engagement, continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s air cargo landscape and driving sustainable industry growth.
