The Ogun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abigun, has officially appointed the Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, popularly known as SAHCO, as the primary ground handling service provider for the newly constructed Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport. The announcement, made on Monday, April 13, 2026, marks a significant milestone in the operationalization of the multi-billion naira infrastructure project located along the Iperu-Ilishan road. The choice of SAHCO followed a competitive bidding process and a thorough evaluation of the company’s technical expertise, equipment capacity, and global safety certifications. This partnership is expected to position the Gateway Airport as a premier logistics hub for agricultural exports and general cargo in the West African sub-region.
The Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun State, Engineer Gbenga Dairo, explained that the appointment of SAHCO is a strategic move to ensure that the airport operates according to international best practices from its inception. SAHCO, a leading provider of passenger, ramp, and cargo handling services in Nigeria, will be responsible for managing all ground operations, including the loading and unloading of aircraft, baggage handling, and the management of the state-of-the-art cold storage facilities designed for perishable agricultural goods. The state government emphasized that the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport is a key pillar of its “ISEYA” developmental agenda, aimed at stimulating the local economy and creating thousands of jobs for the residents of the state.
The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, Basil Agboarumi, expressed his appreciation to the Ogun State Government for the confidence reposed in the firm. He noted that SAHCO is fully prepared to deploy its latest fleet of ground support equipment and a team of highly trained professionals to meet the unique demands of an agro-cargo airport. The company plans to implement a digital tracking system that will allow farmers and exporters to monitor their goods in real-time, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the value chain. This appointment is seen as a major win for the Nigerian aviation sector, as it demonstrates the capacity of indigenous firms to manage large-scale, specialized airport operations.
Aviation and economic analysts suggest that the partnership between the Ogun State Government and SAHCO is a “perfect fit” for the state’s industrial ambitions. Dr. Alex Nwuba, an aviation expert, observes that the success of a cargo airport depends heavily on the speed and reliability of ground handling services. He argues that by bringing in a proven player like SAHCO, the Ogun State Government has significantly reduced the “teething problems” often associated with new airport launches. Analysts maintain that the Gateway Airport has the potential to decongest the Lagos airport and serve as a vital link for the export of food products from the South-West and Middle Belt regions to international markets in Europe and North America.
The broader implications of this appointment point toward a new era of state-led investment in aviation infrastructure in Nigeria. The Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport is one of the few projects of its kind that focuses specifically on the agricultural sector, which remains the backbone of the Nigerian economy. By securing a top-tier service provider, Governor Dapo Abiodun is signaling to the international business community that Ogun State is ready for large-scale investment in agro-processing and logistics. As the airport prepares for its full commercial launch, the focus remains on the completion of the auxiliary road networks and the establishment of a free trade zone surrounding the facility. For the people of Ogun State, the SAHCO appointment is a tangible sign that the promise of an “economic revolution” through aviation is finally becoming a reality.
