CHINET Aviacargo conference: NAHCO GMD calls for expansion of airport infrastructure
The group managing director/CEO of Nigerian Aviation Handling
Company (NAHCO) Plc,
Mrs. Olatokunbo Fagbemi, has
has stressed the need for Nigerian airport infrastructure expansion.
Mrs Fagbemi called for the expansion of the cargo ramp at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
She pointed out that the increasing e-commerce comes with more needs for airport infrastructure expansion.
In her presentation on the Role of a Handling Company in Air Cargo Business at the recently concluded CHINET Conference at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
Mrs. Fagbemi, stated that
this will in no doubt be of immense benefit and value to shippers, consignees, the agents, the airlines, the airport, the aviation industry, and the nation.
A visit to any cargo terminal outside this clime will show-case the reasons why the demand for an expansion, she said.
NAHCO boss however regretted that despite there critical and vital role in the air cargo ecosystem, the ground handling companies are not being accorded their dues.
She said they are underpaid by airlines and get blamed for any challenge within its warehouses whether it is due to airline or Government agencies etc.
She said the ground handlers are looking to government for support with there persistent calls for duty waivers, just as it applies to airlines, adding that
this is yet to be acceded to.
Fagbemi emphasised the need for standardisation of the various elements of the air cargo business, stressing that it will enable the actualisation of the desired air- cargo industry in Nigeria.
He enjoined the Government and stakeholders would work together to create a better operating environment and an effective framework to support cargo export so that the planes would stop flying from Nigeria empty.
To further enhance the speed and efficiency of the cargo handling processes, we have provided round – the – clock CCTV coverage at the warehouses, large strong room, vault, dangerous goods room as well as facilities for storage of human remains.
Fagbemi stated further that: “In our role as essential service providers in the aviation industry, we supported air cargo all through the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19 and after, even at great risk to our personnel. The evolution of freighter, that is, passenger planes being used for cargo, has brought new challenges, and translates to more manpower and resources deployment”.
She stated that NAHCO has built warehouses, invested in facilities and equipment capable of processing all sizes and types of cargo.
She said the company has special storage facilities and trained personnel to handle general as well as special cargo such as perishables, life animals, dangerous goods or radio-active cargo and valuables.
She noted
that all cargo entering there warehouse is controlled by its Galaxy system to ensure smooth processing and seamless integration of all information about each cargo and thereby ensure airline and airline customers can track their cargo online real-time and accurately.
According to her: “As part of our warehousing services, we have green energy stackers for efficient management of the warehouses and forklifts of different tonnages for on time acceptance and delivery of cargo.
“We provide security services for cargo by ensuring all exports are duly scanned using Explosive Trade Detection (ETD) Technology and the integrity of all imports is ascertained and maintained. We also ensure proper management of airline assets, such as Unit Load Device (ULDs”.
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