The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has positioned itself as the strategic bridge for the nation’s “export revolution.” At a recent capacity-building forum in Lagos, the company signaled its intent to turn local SMEs into global players, aligning with the Federal Government’s ambitious goal of a $1 trillion economy.
According to Group Executive Director Saheed Lasisi, the path to this milestone isn’t just through big oil or manufacturing—it is paved by the thousands of small businesses ready to export Nigerian commodities.
The Logistics Backbone: More Than Just Cargo
For many SMEs, the hurdle isn’t producing a great product; it’s getting it to a shelf in London, New York, or Dubai without it spoiling or being rejected by customs. NAHCO is stepping in to manage the “last mile” of complexity:
-
Regulatory Navigation: Guiding exporters through the maze of international standards and quality certifications.
-
Product Preservation: Ensuring that perishable agro-products maintain their “farm-fresh” quality throughout the transit process.
-
Specialized Packaging: Utilizing the NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC)—the only facility of its kind in Nigeria—to meet rigorous international buyer requirements.
The “Center” of the Value Chain
Lasisi emphasized that NAHCO serves as the vital link between three critical pillars: Exporters, Airlines, and Regulators. By sitting at this intersection, the company ensures on-time flight connections and minimizes the “red tape” that often kills small business margins.
“To record the needed volume in commodity exports, the nation needs the SMEs,” Lasisi declared. “NAHCO is charting the way forward to prepare them for foreign markets.”
Infrastructure for the Future
With the approval of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), NAHCO has operationalized an export desk specifically designed to troubleshoot for small-scale shippers. Since opening the NEPPC last July, the company has created a “safe zone” for sensitive items, providing the infrastructure that many small businesses simply couldn’t afford on their own.
The Verdict: By lowering the barrier to entry for international trade, NAHCO isn’t just moving boxes; it’s moving the needle on Nigeria’s economic self-reliance.
