Skypower Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) is calling on the Nigerian government to provide tax incentives and long-term financial support to aviation handlers, even as the company reports strong financial growth and continues to invest heavily in technology, infrastructure, and workforce development.
Speaking at a media interactive session on Friday, SAHCO Managing Director, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, highlighted the mounting challenges facing the aviation sector, including rising operational costs, inflation, and the high foreign exchange rates impacting the importation of essential equipment and spare parts.
Aboderin noted that while airlines have received government support, handling companies remain largely excluded, placing the industry at a disadvantage.
“We need single-digit long-term loans, tax waivers on equipment and spare parts, and recognition as a pioneer industry to ensure sustainable growth,” Aboderin said.
She explained that government support would also empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in exports, creating employment opportunities and boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
Despite these challenges, SAHCO has continued to post impressive financial results. Revenue for the period rose 57% year-on-year to $31.7 billion, while profit before tax surged 82% to $10 billion. Gross profits increased from $12 billion to $18 billion, and total assets grew by 31% to $57.1 billion.
She attributed this financial resilience to strategic investments in operational efficiency, technology, and infrastructure, alongside strong partnerships with airlines and regulatory bodies.
“Our focus on people, processes, and best practices is paying off. We are committed to training our workforce, embracing technology, and improving service excellence across all 22 airports we serve,” she said.
Cost-saving measures such as e-billing, resource allocation software, and digital budget monitoring have contributed to a 27% reduction in operational costs.
The MD also highlighted SAHCO’s significant technological investments, including over €10 million spent on state-of-the-art equipment in the past year.
New assets include electric ground support equipment, solar-powered charging stations, upgraded cold chain facilities, and advanced TSA-compliant scanning machines. “Technology is here to make our staff more efficient, not replace them,” she stressed.
Employees are receiving extensive training in AI, cold chain management, e-commerce logistics, and customer service to ensure they remain competitive and certified to global standards.
SAHCO is also expanding its facilities and services. Plans include a larger training academy for commercialized aviation courses, an e-commerce and packaging unit to meet global export standards, and diversification into helicopter services for oil and gas clients.
The company has secured new land for construction of a training centre, hospital, hotel, and additional facilities to strengthen its full-service offerings, including handling, logistics, tours, travel, and hospitality.
Mrs. Aboderin emphasized that the company’s success is anchored on ethical practices, compliance, and staff welfare. Salaries have been increased twice in the last two years, employees receive free healthcare, and rigorous security measures and zero-tolerance policies ensure integrity across operations.
“With the right government support, strategic investments in technology, and our dedicated workforce, the future for SAHCO and the aviation handling sector in Nigeria looks very promising,” she concluded
