The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting the nation’s non-oil revenues through a capacity building forum on export processing for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos.
The event, held in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), aimed to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to tap into the export market.
NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Business & Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, emphasised the company’s role in facilitating exports, saying, “NAHCO sits at the centre of the export value chain, serving as the link between exporters, airlines, and regulators”. He highlighted the specialised packaging required for perishable and sensitive items, and announced the launch of NAHCO’s Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC), designed to provide support for exporters.
The Chairman of NACCIMA’s Export Group, Kola Awe, noted that NACCIMA has established an Export Support Centre for MSMEs to address the challenges faced by small businesses in exporting. He emphasised the importance of providing support for MSMEs, which contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy.
The Director General of NACCIMA, Engr. Sola Obadimu, stated that the collaboration between NAHCO and NACCIMA highlights the importance of private sector partnership in Nigerian agro products growth. He emphasised that MSMEs account for 80 to 90% of businesses and employ more than 80% of the workforce, yet their contribution to exports remains disproportionate.
Other speakers at the event included the Managing Director of Polaris Bank, who emphasised the importance of non-oil exports, and the President of the Aviation Cargo Committee, who highlighted the necessity of air logistics for the growth of SMEs.
The event was attended by key stakeholders in the export industry, including government agencies, airlines, and logistics partners.