Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has expressed its willingness to strengthen trade facilitation between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ground handling company is also exploring strategic partnerships with leading Middle East airlines with the intent of boosting passenger, cargo, and e-commerce activities between the two countries.
Commitment During UAE Embassy Visit
A statement by the Head of Corporate Communications at SAHCO, Vanessa Uansohia, revealed that this commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the company's management to the UAE Embassy in Nigeria. According to the statement, the Managing Director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, who represented the SAHCO Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, reiterated the need to strengthen bilateral trade, enhance passenger and cargo handling, facilitate trade, and establish e-commerce partnerships, as well as leverage aviation as a catalyst for economic growth.
SAHCO's Readiness to Support Trade
Afolabi assured that SAHCO is committed to supporting initiatives that promote seamless passenger movement, cargo movement, and trade between Nigeria and the UAE. He emphasized that SAHCO possesses the operational capacity, infrastructure, and expertise required to facilitate increased passenger and cargo volumes and support the growing demand for e-commerce logistics across the region.
He stated: “We (SAHCO) are strategically positioned to support trade facilitation between Nigeria and the UAE through efficient passenger handling, baggage handling, cargo handling services, modern infrastructure, and a strong commitment to operational excellence. We are open to collaborations that will strengthen connectivity and create value for businesses in both countries.”
Collaboration with UAE Airlines
Afolabi explained that SAHCO is open to opportunities for collaboration with UAE airlines, emphasizing that stronger partnerships between aviation stakeholders in Nigeria and the UAE would significantly contribute to expanding trade volumes, improving supply chain efficiency, and supporting economic diversification efforts.
UAE Delegation's Response
The UAE delegation, led by the Head of Mission to Nigeria, Salem Saeed Al-Shamsi, expressed interest in understanding SAHCO’s operational capabilities and exploring avenues for stronger cooperation in passenger, baggage, cargo, and trade facilitation. He also promised that the UAE Embassy in Nigeria would serve as a bridge for building deeper commercial relationships between businesses in both countries.
