Clarion Newschannel – Business Desk (Lagos, 3 December 2025)
Ground handling giant, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), has posted remarkable financial and operational results for the nine months ended 30 September 2025, recording a 58% year-on-year revenue increase to ₦31.7 billion (from ₦20.1 billion in 2024) and an 82% jump in profit before tax to ₦10 billion (from ₦5.5 billion).
Speaking during an exclusive media parley and facility tour in Lagos, the Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, attributed the outstanding performance to deliberate investments in operational excellence, technology, infrastructure, and people despite severe industry challenges including rising inflation, foreign exchange volatility, high utility costs, and dollar-denominated spare parts.
Key financial highlights (9M 2025 vs 9M 2024):
Revenue: ₦31.7bn (+58%)
Gross Profit: ₦18bn (+47%)
Profit Before Tax: ₦10bn (+82%)
Total Comprehensive Income: ₦8.5bn
Total Assets: ₦57.1bn (+31% or +₦17.1bn)
The company achieved a 27% year-on-year reduction in strategic costs through digital transformation initiatives that include:
Full rollout of e-billing and electronic payments
In-house flight and budget performance monitoring apps
Creation of a dedicated Resource Allocation Department for optimal deployment of equipment and manpower
Enhanced cybersecurity framework and document management software
SAHCO maintains the highest number of industry certifications among Nigerian handlers, including renewed ISAGO, RA3, Dangerous Goods, ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) certifications across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. The company also became the first in Nigeria to fully comply with new U.S. TSA security requirements and acquire the mandatory 5DX detection and rapid scanner machines.
On sustainability, SAHCO is aggressively transitioning to electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE), boasting the highest number of charging points in West Africa (including 10 new solar-powered stations at Lagos airside and maintenance bays). Old diesel-powered units are being phased out, with a comprehensive green roadmap extending to 2028.
Expansion and diversification remain top priorities:
Now operating in 22 Nigerian airports with new contracts signed for Bayelsa and Gateway airports
Secured handling for new and regional carriers including Air Tanzania, Air Algeria, ValueJet Regional, United Nigeria Regional, and Ethiopian Airlines (Abuja)
Launching a commercial aviation training academy in partnership with select African countries
New subsidiaries: SIPA SACOL Aviation (helicopter services to oil & gas) and SS Travels (ticketing, tours & logistics)
Major upgrade of export cargo facilities (CAWGA) with additional ETD/X-ray lanes and scanning tunnels to cope with surging export volumes
Enhanced cold-chain infrastructure attracting transit cargo from Ghana and Western countries bound for Europe
E-commerce logistics platform set for Q1 2026 launch in partnership with local and international players
Active negotiations to extend ground handling operations into three additional African countries by end-2026
Staff welfare also received a boost with a fresh salary increase approved this month to cushion the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, alongside continuous investment in statutory, safety, and soft-skills training.
Agboarumi summarised: “We are deliberately matching people with processes, practices, technology, and sustainable infrastructure. The future is bright. With the current run rate, continued strategic partnerships with airlines, regulators, and state governments, SAHCO is firmly on course to become the undisputed leading ground handling brand in West Africa and beyond.”
The company promised journalists a follow-up facility tour once ongoing cargo terminal expansions and new scanning tunnels are fully commissioned.
SAHCO Defies Economic Headwinds with Massive 58% Revenue Surge, ₦10bn Profit Before Tax in 9 Months
