The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO aviance) has received a groundbreaking approval from the Federal Government to handle shipments containing radioactive materials at its airport facilities, marking a historic milestone in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The approval was jointly granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), as confirmed in a communiqué issued after a high-level meeting on February 25, 2025, in Abuja.
Signed on behalf of both agencies by the Assistant General Manager (Legal) of NNRA, Mr. Jamil Salau, for the Director-General/CEO, Dr. Yau Usman Idris, the communiqué announced that the approval lifts previous restrictions on the import and export of radioactive materials, allowing NAHCO to facilitate such specialized shipments. It stated that all importers and exporters of radioactive material previously affected by the closure should contact NAHCO for import and export of radioactive material, which was affected by the embargo earlier imposed.
The approval was a major highlight of the meeting between NCAA and NNRA, which focused on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both agencies on September 1, 2023. Other key resolutions reached at the meeting include the adoption of NNRA’s implementation framework as a guiding document, the formation of a technical working group within 14 working days to oversee MoU implementation, and the development of a joint action plan with specific timelines for key activities. The meeting also resolved to launch joint training programs for personnel handling radioactive shipments, schedule Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) drills, conduct regular review meetings to monitor progress and address emerging challenges, harmonize licensing validity and duration between NCAA and NNRA, and enhance regulatory information-sharing to ensure compliance with global safety standards.
Reacting to the development, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, described the approval as a major breakthrough for businesses relying on the safe transportation of radioactive materials, particularly international airlines and oil and gas companies. He emphasized that NAHCO is solving these challenges for its clients, especially the big international airlines and International Oil Companies (IOCs) that require this approval to move critical shipments with radioactive contents in and out of the country.
NAHCO’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, expressed gratitude to NCAA and NNRA for their trust in the company’s capabilities. He assured stakeholders that NAHCO has implemented rigorous compliance measures, advanced safety protocols, and a highly trained team of professionals to handle radioactive shipments with absolute adherence to international regulatory standards. He stated that the company has established clear, diligent, and thorough processes to ensure full compliance with all procedural requirements and remains committed to upholding the highest safety and security standards in executing this highly specialized function.
With this landmark approval, NAHCO has further strengthened its position as Nigeria’s leading ground handling service provider, setting new benchmarks for specialized cargo operations. The company is a diversified, multi-billion-naira conglomerate with key interests in aviation ground handling, airport management, aviation training, free trade zone operations, commodities export, and energy solutions. It has a presence in all major Nigerian airports and plays a critical role in the country’s logistics value chain through its subsidiaries, including Mainland Cargo Options Limited, Nahco Free Trade Zone Limited, NAHCO Power Solutions Limited, NAHCO Management Services, NAHCO Travels & Hospitality Limited, NAHCO Aviation Academy, and NAHCO Commodities Limited.
Industry experts anticipate that this approval will not only enhance Nigeria’s global standing in aviation logistics but also attract further investment, ensuring the country remains a key player in specialized cargo handling across Africa.
