The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO Aviance) Plc has announced the acquisition of a fresh batch of multi-million-dollar ground support equipment (GSE) to strengthen its operations across the country.
The move, the company says, is part of its long-term refleeting programme designed to position NAHCO as the leading aviation handling provider in West Africa.
Speaking during the unveiling of the equipment in Lagos, NAHCO’s Chairman, Dr. Seinde Fadeni, emphasized the board’s commitment to ensuring that the company maintains a modern, world-class fleet of equipment by the end of 2026.
According to him, the acquisition process for the newly deployed equipment began last year but faced delivery delays due to production timelines and shipping challenges.
“The essence of these equipment acquisitions goes beyond serving our clients.
They are also meant to improve the working conditions of our staff and enhance efficiency at all our service points nationwide,” Dr. Fadeni explained.
He stressed that the refleeting programme was a deliberate strategy to position NAHCO as the benchmark in aviation handling within Nigeria and beyond.
“By the time we complete this process, our operational capacity will not only match global standards but also exceed expectations in the African aviation industry,” he added.
Chief Operating Officer of NAHCO, Mr. Didier Stuellet, lauded the board’s bold investment, describing it as a “difficult but strategic decision.”
He noted that the capital injection ran into several millions of dollars—a significant commitment at a time when many aviation support firms are grappling with foreign exchange constraints and rising operational costs.
“This investment shows NAHCO’s clear vision for the future. It signals our readiness to fully modernize operations.
We are more than halfway into the refleeting process, and in the months ahead, more equipment will be arriving to complete this transformation,” Stuellet said.
One of the highlights of the new acquisitions is the deployment of nine brand-new high loaders, a feat described as historic by NAHCO’s Head of Ground Support Equipment, Mr. Charles Karinga.
He explained that high loaders are specialized ground support equipment with high-reach lifting mechanisms, used primarily for loading and unloading cargo, catering supplies, and other items onto aircraft.
“Not many aviation handlers in this region can acquire such a number of high loaders at once because of their high cost.
This makes NAHCO’s acquisition a landmark achievement. It is the first time such a bulk deployment has happened in Nigeria’s aviation handling industry,” Karinga said.
He also highlighted that the new machines are among the best brands available globally, with long-term durability and efficiency that would serve both the company and its airline partners for years to come.
The refleeting programme was first unveiled in 2024, with Dr. Fadeni projecting that by 2026, NAHCO would have completely modernized its ground handling fleet.
Despite delays caused by supply chain bottlenecks, the company has consistently taken delivery of new equipment every quarter since the programme’s launch.
“This latest delivery is more than just new machines—it’s a milestone that signals our long-term vision.
Our operational practices are being redefined, our workforce empowered, and our facilities upgraded.
The next few years will mark a new era for NAHCO and aviation handling in Nigeria,” Dr. Fadeni reiterated.
Aviation industry analysts say the move is timely, considering Nigeria’s growing aviation market.
The influx of new aircraft, the expansion of local airlines, and the steady increase in international traffic have put pressure on ground handling firms to modernize.
NAHCO’s investments, therefore, come as both a strategic necessity and a competitive edge.
Furthermore, the company’s consistent profit growth—highlighted by its 167% net profit increase to N8.9 billion in the first half of 2025—provides the financial backbone to sustain such ambitious capital projects.
With the full refleeting programme expected to conclude by 2026, NAHCO is positioning itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s aviation growth story.
The launch of these new ground support equipment signals a transformative chapter for NAHCO.
By prioritizing modern equipment, operational efficiency, and employee welfare, the company is not only raising the bar in aviation handling but also contributing to the broader development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
As NAHCO continues to roll out more acquisitions in the coming months, stakeholders say the company is well on its way to consolidating its reputation as the most innovative and forward-thinking ground handling firm in Africa.