✈️ SAHCO Sets Industry Benchmark with ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Certification

[Olori Uwem]

SAHCO Sets Industry Benchmark with ISO 27001:2022 Information Security Certification

The Big Milestone

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has secured the prestigious ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification.

With this achievement, SAHCO becomes:
• The first aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to attain the certification
• One of the few in Africa to meet the globally recognised information security benchmark

️ What ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Means

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the international gold standard for information security management.

It provides a framework for:
• Protecting sensitive data
• Managing cybersecurity risks
• Ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information
• Maintaining business continuity

In a technology-driven aviation industry, the certification is critical for safeguarding operational systems and customer data.

Scope of Certification

The certification covers SAHCO’s core operational areas, including:
• Cargo handling systems
• Customer information management
• Operational systems
• Corporate support services

The process involved:
• Extensive risk assessments
• Deployment of advanced security controls
• Staff awareness and training programmes
• Incident response planning
• Continuous system monitoring aligned with global best practices

The certification followed a rigorous audit and compliance assessment by a globally accredited body.

Management’s Position

According to SAHCO’s Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Afolabi:
• Information security must be embedded across the organisation
• It is not just an IT function but an organisational responsibility
• Every employee plays a role in safeguarding systems and customer data

He emphasized that in aviation ground handling, strong cybersecurity is fundamental to:
• Operational safety
• Business continuity
• ️ Risk prevention

Strategic Significance

This milestone strengthens SAHCO’s positioning as:

A cyber-resilient aviation service provider
A company aligned with global standards
A trusted partner for international airlines
A leader in operational excellence

It also adds to SAHCO’s existing certifications, including ISAGO and other regulatory quality standards.

Industry Impact

With aviation increasingly digitised — from cargo tracking to passenger data systems — cybersecurity threats are evolving rapidly.

By attaining ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SAHCO demonstrates:
• Proactive risk identification
• Strong preventive controls
• International compliance credibility
• Enhanced data protection framework

This places the company among an elite group of global aviation ground handling firms operating under internationally certified security standards.

InvestingPort Insight

This certification is more than symbolic.

It:
• Reduces operational and reputational risk
• Enhances trust among airline partners
• Improves competitiveness in cross-border aviation contracts
• Strengthens long-term sustainability

As aviation becomes more data-driven, cybersecurity readiness is no longer optional — it is strategic infrastructure.

SAHCO’s move positions it ahead of many regional peers in Africa’s aviation ecosystem.