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The Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has described ground handling services as the backbone of safe, secure and efficient air transportation, stressing that the sector remains a critical component of the aviation value chain.
Afolabi also reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to innovation, investment in modern equipment and the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting the rapidly changing demands of the global aviation industry.
He made the remarks at the International Conference of Aeronautical Engineers, held under the theme, “Aeronautical Engineering and National Development: Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry.” His address was delivered on his behalf by the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin.
Speaking to participants at the conference, Afolabi said the gathering provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering strategic partnerships, advancing technology and promoting policy dialogue aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He noted that collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, industry players, development partners and the private sector would be essential to repositioning the nation’s aviation industry as a major driver of economic growth and regional leadership.
According to him, only through sustained cooperation among stakeholders can Nigeria build an aviation sector that is globally competitive and capable of supporting national development.
The SAHCO chairman described aeronautical engineering as one of the most important pillars of aviation excellence, saying it plays a central role in ensuring aircraft safety, improving operational efficiency, driving technological innovation and developing indigenous technical expertise.
He emphasised that strengthening engineering capacity would be fundamental to achieving international standards and unlocking new opportunities across the aviation industry.
“As Nigeria continues to strengthen its aviation ecosystem, investment in engineering capacity, research, infrastructure and human capital will be indispensable to achieving world-class standards and unlocking new opportunities across the industry,” he said.
Afolabi further described the conference theme as timely and highly relevant, noting that it reflects the collective ambition of stakeholders to build a resilient, innovative and globally competitive aviation industry capable of making meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development.
He said repositioning the aviation sector would require deliberate investments in technical knowledge, engineering research and infrastructure, alongside policies that encourage innovation and continuous capacity development.
The SAHCO chairman reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting these objectives by embracing global best practices, deploying modern ground handling equipment and continuously investing in the training and development of its personnel.
He maintained that ground handling services remain indispensable to the smooth functioning of the aviation ecosystem, ensuring aircraft are serviced efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and operational reliability.
Afolabi also applauded the organisers of the International Conference of Aeronautical Engineers for bringing together experts, professionals and stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on practical solutions to the challenges confronting the aviation industry.
He expressed confidence that the discussions and recommendations emerging from the conference would contribute significantly to shaping the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector and strengthening its position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
