Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO, Plc, Dr. Seinde Fadeni has called on the Federal Government to convene a summit where players in the air cargo and perishable export value chain could come together to examine the huge revenue potential in the sector.
Experts say the air cargo and perishable export industry is estimated to fetch over $250 billion for Nigeria, but the country is not optimising the available revenue opportunities.
Fadeni, who stated this in Lagos at the weekend, also called on the Federal Government to support ground handling companies and other players in the air cargo space by reducing obstacles militating against the growth of the business.
He said Nigeria could earn huge foreign exchange through the export of food items and other perishable cargo, with the assistance of the government through policy interventions and infrastructure, thereby creating avenues for jobs and prosperity for Nigerians.
Speaking during the inauguration of an Export Processing/Packaging Centre at the Cargo Section of the Lagos International Airport, Fadeni said the pilot facility by the ground handling company is enough testimony that it is ready to drive air cargo activities for airlines, farmers, exporters and other players in the logistics space.
The Nation reports that while emphasising the need for the Federal Government to make the business environment less challenging, Fadeni called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, to re-open the renovated entrance into the Cargo Wing of the Lagos Airport, urging that other challenges facing players in the sector should be expeditiously addressed.
Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku said the cargo processing and packaging facility by NAHCO will not only boost Nigeria’s export numbers , thereby impacting positively on the country’s balance of payment, position, but will ultimately strengthen the Naira.
The FAAN boss the Federal Government has been thinking in NAHCO’s direction, by creating a framework to deepen participation in the air cargo space through the Creation of Directorate to exploit the full potential of the business.
The Cargo Directorate, Mrs Kuku said has been designed to ameliorate the problems in the sector and birth innovative ideas.
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She said: “Nigeria currently stands at a crucial juncture, as export business offers immense opportunities for economic growth and development. That is why I am most excited for this facility opening for business. With the equipment, expertise and offices here, most of the challenges of exporting perishable goods will be highly mitigated. Issues around the shelf- life of the crops, temperature control, packaging, handling and regulatory compliance will be a thing of the past.
In a world where revenue growth is key, I want to assure NAHCO that we will continue to support them in this and other ventures. It is my hope that exporters and other stakeholders will take full advantage of this facility to boost Nigeria’s export numbers.”
On his part, the Group Managing Director, NAHCO, Mr. Indranil Gupta stated that the new facility is a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products on the global stage, create jobs at home and push the boundaries of what Nigeria could sell abroad.
The GMD added that by streamlining its export processes, adhering to stringent packaging standards, and ensuring the quality of our products, NAHCO not only bolster the reputation of Nigerian goods but also contribute significantly to how Nigeria’s products are viewed outside our shores.
This, he said, is very important.
Speaking further, Gupta stated that additionally, the Export Processing and Packaging Centre will foster skills development and empower Nigerian youths as it expands operations.
The centre, he said, is not all about business for NAHCO but also about its commitment to the socio-economic empowerment of our people.
“As we commission this Centre, we are embarking on a journey that not only strengthens our foothold in the global market but also contributes to the economic development of Nigeria. This facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to quality, efficiency, global standards and customer satisfaction,” he said.
He informed that the EPPC has office spaces for regulatory bodies and various government agencies and that NAHCO PLC remains dedicated to maintaining collaborative relationships with cargo agents, who are valued clients of the facility.
He expressed his gratitude to the government, regulatory bodies, and all stakeholders who have supported us throughout this journey, adding that their unwavering support has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, and that NAHCO looks forward to continued collaboration for the greater good.
