November 30, (THEWILL) — Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has called for government-backed tax incentives to cushion the rising cost pressures facing ground handling operators in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The company noted that persistent macroeconomic headwinds, such as inflation, high overheads, foreign exchange volatility, and the elevated cost of imported equipment and spare parts, have significantly affected operational sustainability industry-wide.
Despite these challenges, SAHCO said it has continued to deliver value to its shareholders, clients, and airline partners across more than 22 operational locations, in line with its vision to remain the leading ground handling brand in West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking at the Airport Gateway Forum organised by the Leaque of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) at the Ground Handler’s Corporate Headquarters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos, Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO Plc Mrs. Adenike Aboderin reported a strong financial performance for the nine months ended September 30, (Q3) 2025, with revenue soaring to N31.68 billion in 2025, up N11.56 billion. (57 %) from N20.12 billion same period in 2024.
This, Aboderin said, was achieved on the backdrop of strong Cargo handling volumes, capacity and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) expansion and renewal, among others.
According to the Managing Director, revenue surged 57% to N31.68 billion as a result of higher cargo processing volumes, while Profit Before Tax jumped 86% to N10.38 billion, reflecting strong operational performance.
Profit After Tax rose 82% to N8.42 billion, Earnings Per Share improved to N6.22 (622 kobo), demonstrating enhanced shareholder value creation. Balance sheet strength improved meaningfully, with total assets expanding 27% to N53.0 billion, supported by strategic investment in ground support equipment and infrastructure to support higher service throughput.
The CEO said SAHCO is enhancing financial resilience by improving efficiency, investing in technology, and fostering partnerships, leading to a 27% year-on-year cost reduction through new digital tools and streamlined processes.
“For future growth, SAHCO is expanding into new markets, adopting eco-friendly equipment, and investing in workforce training and service quality. These efforts deliver strong financial results, including 82% profit growth, 57% revenue growth, and an N13 billion rise in assets.”, she said.
Aboderin noted that despite the fact that the aviation industry continues to face many turbulent and unpredictable outcomes, SAHCO continues to deliver value to its stakeholders, clients and airlines across its 22 network locations.
She added that SAHCO has the vision to become the leading provider of Passenger, Ramp, and Cargo Handling Services in the West African Sub Region, as it currently operates at 21 airports across Nigeria, including a new airport, Gateway International Airport in Ogun state.
SAHCO serves over 25 domestic and international airlines, including new airlines like Air Tanzania, Value Jet, Air Algeria, and Ethiopian Airlines’ Lagos and Abuja operations.
On the Eco-Friendly Sustainability plan, the SAHCO boss disclosed that the company is gradually replacing diesel GSE with electric alternatives, with plans to install smart/solar-powered charging stations across ramp areas.
To support the Environmental Management System, SAHCO would implement an ISO 14001-based system for environmental compliance, as it applies the ISO 9001 principles to ensure consistent, high-quality operations.
On operational expansion and service enhancement plans, the company plans the expansion and upgrade of the cargo warehouse to increase processing speed, reduce congestion, and improve handling capacity.
It also plans the upgrade of Explosive Trace Detecto (ETD) machines in compliance with TSA standards, for faster, safer, and more accurate cargo screening.
“We plan to optimise allocation of personnel, equipment, and materials to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure tasks are completed on schedule”, she added.
Aboderin also disclosed SAHCO’s plans to diversify operations into the Cold chain infrastructure and systems with temperature-controlled facilities and real-time monitoring for complete integrity.
Apart from diversification into e-Commerce, where it hopes to build a fast online logistics system with tracking and reliable delivery, SAHCO will operate in other African countries with a plan to expand into key African markets through local partnerships and new stations.
Amid a growing market, the company also said plans are underway to unveil its helicopter services soon.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
