By Dickson Omobola
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, SAHCO, has said it is willing to strengthen trade facilitation between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, UAE, while also exploring partnerships with Middle East Airlines.
SAHCO Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, said the initiative was aimed at boosting passengers, cargo and e-commerce activities between the two countries.
Afolabi, represented by the Managing Director/CEO of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said there was a need to strengthen bilateral trade, enhance passenger and cargo handling, trade facilitation, e-commerce partnerships to leverage aviation for economic growth.
Aboderin assured that SAHCO was committed to supporting initiatives that promote seamless passenger movement, cargo movement and trade between Nigeria and the UAE.
According to her, SAHCO possessed the operational capacity, infrastructure and expertise required to facilitate increased passenger, cargo volumes and support the growing demand for e-commerce logistics across the region.
She said: “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.
Furthermore, she emphasised that SAHCO was open to opportunities for collaboration with UAE Airlines emphasizing that stronger partnerships between aviation stakeholders in Nigeria and the UAE would contribute significantly to expanding trade volumes, improving supply chain efficiency and supporting economic diversification efforts.
Also, 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.