Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has called on the federal government to introduce tax incentives and import-duty waivers for the aviation ground handling sector, arguing that the cost of bringing in modern equipment has become “crippling” under Nigeria’s harsh forex climate.
Speaking during a strategic media briefing with the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos, SAHCO Managing Director Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the industry’s dependence on foreign-made equipment like scanning machines, conveyor systems, electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE), cold-chain hardware, and safety infrastructure makes tax relief not just desirable, but essential.
“Almost everything we use is imported”.
Aboderin explained that the aviation handling industry is uniquely exposed to global pricing.
“Most of our equipment and spare parts are foreign-based. With FX volatility, duties, and shipping costs, the numbers no longer add up. Without tax incentives, we are operating under a heavy burden”.
She noted that essential tools—Explosive Trace Technology (ETT) scanners, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)-compliant machines, cold-room systems, dollies, and electric GSE require massive capital investment.
Modernising Nigeria’s Aviation Infrastructure
The company recently imported new 5DX and rapid-scan machines to satisfy U.S. TSA requirements; equipment so vital that the TSA had at one point flagged Nigeria for non-compliance.
SAHCO was the first company to obtain the required scanners.
“Compliance is expensive. But without these machines, Nigeria cannot participate fully in global aviation logistics”, she warned.
Electric Equipment, Solar Chargers, and Green Investments
Aboderin lamented that transitioning to greener operations which is an international aviation requirement is slowed down by import duties on electric GSE.
SAHCO, which has already installed over 20 charging points across Lagos and Abuja, is also deploying solar-powered charging stations.
“We are investing heavily in green infrastructure, but import duties make the transition slower and more expensive”, she said.
Tax Incentives Would Lower Costs and Strengthen Safety
According to the Managing Director, tax reliefs would directly translate to:
Lower operational costs for handlers
Cheaper services for airlines
Improved safety and faster facilitation
More competitive exports
Greater compliance with TSA and the International Sir Transport Association (IATA) standards
A stronger appeal to foreign airlines and partners
Boosting Exports Through Better Infrastructure
SAHCO’s cargo terminals now serve as preferred transit hubs for temperature-sensitive exports from West African countries.
Aboderin said: “Exporters from neighbouring countries truck their goods to SAHCO because our cold-chain quality meets global standards. We must keep improving and that means importing more equipment”
A National Appeal
She concluded with a direct appeal to policymakers:
“Nigeria cannot modernise aviation on outdated equipment. If the government gives tax incentives for aviation support equipment, the entire aviation value chain will grow; from airlines to exporters to the economy itself”.