NAHCO Secures Federal Approval to Handle Radioactive Shipments

… As NCAA, NNRA Grant Authorisation

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO aviance) has received federal approval to handle shipments containing radioactive materials at its airport facilities, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian aviation industry.

The approval was jointly granted by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), as disclosed in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of their meeting held on 25 February 2025 in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed on behalf of the two federal agencies by the Assistant General Manager (Legal) of the NNRA, Mr Jamil Salau, for the Director-General/CEO of the Authority, Dr Yau Usman Idris.

According to the communiqué, the approval paves the way for the resumption of the import and export of radioactive materials, which had previously been restricted due to an embargo. It stated:

“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.”

This critical decision emerged as one of the key resolutions reached by the NCAA and NNRA during the Abuja meeting, which was convened to deliberate on the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both agencies on 1 September 2023.

Apart from the approval granted to NAHCO, the meeting produced several other resolutions aimed at strengthening regulatory coordination and operational efficiency in handling radioactive shipments.

These include: Adoption of NNRA’s implementation plan as a working document, Nomination of members to form a technical working group to oversee MoU implementation within 14 working days, Development of a joint action plan with timelines for key activities, Launch of a joint training programme as stipulated in the MoU, Preparation of a schedule for joint Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) drills.

Other resolutions include: Regular meetings to monitor progress and address emerging issues, Harmonisation of licensing validity and duration, Establishment of streamlined processes for sharing relevant information and documents, Assistance from the NNRA to the NCAA in validating information in its State Variation Report to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ensuring accuracy and functionality of NNRA’s listed contacts.

Reacting to the development, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi, described the approval as a major relief for importers and exporters of radioactive materials.

“NAHCO is solving all these issues for our clients, especially the big international airlines and International Oil Companies (IOCs) who require the approval granted NAHCO to move critical shipments which have radioactive contents in and out of the country,” Lasisi said.

He further emphasised that NAHCO remains committed to supporting the growth of its clients by providing seamless handling services for complex and sensitive shipments.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of NAHCO Plc, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, also expressed gratitude to the NCAA and NNRA for the approval, stressing that NAHCO has established rigorous procedures to ensure full compliance with safety and operational protocols.

“Our team of highly trained professionals will ensure 100 percent compliance with the required standards in handling these specialised shipments,” Olumekun stated.

NAHCO is a leading multi-billion-naira conglomerate with diversified interests in aviation ground handling, airport management, aviation training, free trade zone operations, commodities export, and energy solutions.

Recognised globally as one of Africa’s foremost ground handling service providers, NAHCO operates in all major Nigerian airports.

The company plays a critical role in Nigeria’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.