✈️ NAHCO Positions SMEs at the Heart of Nigeria’s $1 Billion Export Dream
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s ambition to build a $1 billion export-driven economy, placing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the centre of that vision.
What NAHCO Is Doing
NAHCO says it is actively supporting SMEs to scale into international markets, recognising them as the backbone of Nigeria’s commodity export push. This commitment was reiterated by the company’s Group Executive Director, Business Development, Saheed Lasisi, during a capacity-building forum on export processing held in Lagos.
According to NAHCO, achieving the government’s export target depends heavily on increasing the volume and quality of commodity exports, and that can only happen if SMEs are properly equipped.
Why SMEs Matter in the Export Strategy
Lasisi emphasised that SMEs play a critical role in national development, especially in:
• Agricultural exports
• Non-oil commodity trade
• Job creation and value-chain expansion
However, he noted that exporting is not just about production. Export processing, packaging, logistics and compliance are essential—and these are areas where many SMEs struggle.
The Logistics Backbone Challenge
NAHCO highlighted that agro-exports and commodities require:
• Proper cargo handling
• Quality preservation for perishables
• Compliance with international regulations
• Reliable flight connections
• Meeting acceptance standards of foreign buyers
Without these, even high-quality products can be rejected in global markets.
NAHCO’s Strategic Role
NAHCO described itself as sitting at the centre of the export value chain, acting as the link between:
• Exporters
• Airlines
• Regulators
In this position, the company provides guidance to SMEs on:
• Cargo handling standards
• Product preservation techniques
• Regulatory documentation
• Export acceptance requirements
️ Purpose-Built Export Infrastructure
To address packaging and processing gaps, NAHCO revealed that it has established a dedicated facility with approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Key highlights include:
• The NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC)
• The only export packaging facility of its kind in Nigeria
• Operational since July 2025
• Designed for handling perishable and sensitive export goods
In addition, NAHCO operates an export desk to provide hands-on support for exporters navigating the export process.
Big Picture Takeaway
NAHCO’s approach signals a shift from talking about exports to building real systems that work. By strengthening SME capacity, logistics infrastructure and export processing standards, the company is helping to:
• Reduce export rejections
• Improve Nigeria’s credibility in global markets
• Boost non-oil foreign exchange earnings
• Move Nigeria closer to its $1 billion economy target
In essence, NAHCO isn’t just handling cargo—it’s helping SMEs cross borders, meet global standards, and compete internationally.
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s ambition to build a $1 billion export-driven economy, placing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the centre of that vision.
What NAHCO Is Doing
NAHCO says it is actively supporting SMEs to scale into international markets, recognising them as the backbone of Nigeria’s commodity export push. This commitment was reiterated by the company’s Group Executive Director, Business Development, Saheed Lasisi, during a capacity-building forum on export processing held in Lagos.
According to NAHCO, achieving the government’s export target depends heavily on increasing the volume and quality of commodity exports, and that can only happen if SMEs are properly equipped.
Why SMEs Matter in the Export Strategy
Lasisi emphasised that SMEs play a critical role in national development, especially in:
• Agricultural exports
• Non-oil commodity trade
• Job creation and value-chain expansion
However, he noted that exporting is not just about production. Export processing, packaging, logistics and compliance are essential—and these are areas where many SMEs struggle.
The Logistics Backbone Challenge
NAHCO highlighted that agro-exports and commodities require:
• Proper cargo handling
• Quality preservation for perishables
• Compliance with international regulations
• Reliable flight connections
• Meeting acceptance standards of foreign buyers
Without these, even high-quality products can be rejected in global markets.
NAHCO’s Strategic Role
NAHCO described itself as sitting at the centre of the export value chain, acting as the link between:
• Exporters
• Airlines
• Regulators
In this position, the company provides guidance to SMEs on:
• Cargo handling standards
• Product preservation techniques
• Regulatory documentation
• Export acceptance requirements
️ Purpose-Built Export Infrastructure
To address packaging and processing gaps, NAHCO revealed that it has established a dedicated facility with approval from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Key highlights include:
• The NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC)
• The only export packaging facility of its kind in Nigeria
• Operational since July 2025
• Designed for handling perishable and sensitive export goods
In addition, NAHCO operates an export desk to provide hands-on support for exporters navigating the export process.
Big Picture Takeaway
NAHCO’s approach signals a shift from talking about exports to building real systems that work. By strengthening SME capacity, logistics infrastructure and export processing standards, the company is helping to:
• Reduce export rejections
• Improve Nigeria’s credibility in global markets
• Boost non-oil foreign exchange earnings
• Move Nigeria closer to its $1 billion economy target
In essence, NAHCO isn’t just handling cargo—it’s helping SMEs cross borders, meet global standards, and compete internationally.