NAHCO Secures FlyGabon Deal, Expands Solar Cargo Exports

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has significantly strengthened its market position by securing a new ground handling agreement with FlyGabon while simultaneously finalizing long-term contract renewals with several major international carriers. This expansion of service agreements coincides with the company’s strategic move into the specialized export logistics market, specifically facilitating the shipment of solar cells from Nigeria to the United States.

Airline Contract Renewals and New Partnerships

NAHCO announced a series of contract extensions that solidify its role as a primary ground handling provider in the region. Qatar Airways has extended its partnership for an additional three years, continuing a long-standing relationship between the two entities. Saudia Airlines secured the longest commitment of the group, renewing its agreement for five years, while ASKY Airlines finalized a three-year contract extension.

These renewals follow a busy period for the company, which earlier in 2026 secured agreements with Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and RwandAir. The addition of FlyGabon to the company's portfolio is strategically significant, as the airline seeks to enhance air connectivity across West, Central, and Southern Africa through its entry into the Nigerian market. The NAHCO leadership noted that these agreements, which span the company's 47 years of operation, serve as a strong endorsement of its service reliability.

Diversification into Solar Export Logistics

Beyond traditional passenger and cargo handling, NAHCO has begun facilitating the export of solar cells for BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE. This project, which commenced in January 2026, utilizes the company's dedicated facilities in Lagos to manage end-to-end logistics. The operation involves cargo acceptance, warehousing, build-up, and export processing.

Consignments for this project typically range between 20 and 50 tonnes per shipment. These goods are currently being transported via international carriers including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and DHL. The logistics chain is supported by freight forwarding partners Access Freight and Ideal Royal, ensuring timely processing and departure from Nigerian hubs.

Strategic Outlook and Operational Discipline

Saheed Lasisi, Group Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development, emphasized that the recent contract wins demonstrate the company’s competitive advantage in the African aviation sector. Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Olumuyiwa Olumekun stated that the company remains committed to high-level operational discipline and continued investment in technology.

This focus on modernization is intended to meet the precision requirements of international airlines and improve overall service efficiency. For NAHCO shareholders, the multi-year nature of these renewals provides increased revenue visibility, while the diversification into renewable energy exports opens a new, high-growth logistics vertical. This trajectory mirrors historical precedents, such as the company’s successful retention of Emirates Airlines ground handling services in 2024, which reinforced its reputation during major international carrier market entries.