Ken Okeke
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo on Friday unveiled the N1bn NAHCO Export Processing and Packaging Centre at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.
The Minister said the facility aimed to enhance cargo exports and address concerns related to shelf life, temperature control, packaging, handling, and regulatory compliance.
Keyamo emphasised the centre’s role in overcoming challenges associated with exporting perishable goods.
NAHCO is a Nigerian air transportation support service company that offers ground handling service, cargo handling, power distribution, and fueling for Nigeria’s air transport industry.
Two weeks ago, the firm disclosed during a press conference that it invested N1bn in the facility.
Keyamo was represented by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku.
The Minister said, “In a world where revenue growth is key, I want to assure Nigeria Aviation Handling Company that we will continue to support them in this and other ventures.
“I hope that exporters and other stakeholders will take full advantage of this facility to boost Nigeria’s export numbers, which will impact positively on our balance of payment position and strengthen the Naira.”
In December, Keyamo established the cargo services directorate in FAAN to enhance freight services, foster innovation, and ameliorate issues besetting the sector.
Kuku, who also assumed office as FAAN DG in December highlighted FAAN’s commitment to promoting cargo development, forming a committee to address facilitation challenges, particularly in exports.
She also commended NAHCO for its innovative approach to business.
The DG stated, “I think it helps when an experienced business like yours sees the business sense in building a facility such as this to aid other businesses.”
Similarly, the Chairman of NAHCO, Seinde Fadeni, expressed appreciation for the government’s support in alleviating business challenges.
“We have achieved this and the new task is to set a new goal. Our only request to the government on this occasion would be that; should we need your support in our quest to move aviation forward in Nigeria in our little way, please be there for us”, the chairman said.
Fadeni reiterated NAHCO’s belief in Nigeria’s potential for food exports, underlining the critical role that government support plays in realising this vision.