The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the Nigerian aviation industry by securing federal government approval to handle shipments containing radioactive materials. This unprecedented authorization, granted jointly by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), marks a significant development for NAHCO and its clients, particularly international airlines and oil companies, who rely on the safe and efficient transport of such specialized cargo. This approval effectively lifts an earlier embargo on the import and export of radioactive materials, streamlining operations for companies previously hampered by these restrictions. The decision promises to significantly enhance Nigeria’s capacity to handle sensitive materials within the aviation sector, reinforcing NAHCO’s position as a leading ground handling service provider.
The approval, formalized in a communique issued following a joint meeting between the NCAA and NNRA on February 25, 2025, directs all importers and exporters of radioactive materials to engage NAHCO for their shipping needs. This pivotal decision stemmed from a broader meeting convened to discuss the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two regulatory bodies in September 2023. The meeting, held at the NNRA headquarters in Abuja, yielded several key resolutions aimed at strengthening collaboration and regulatory oversight within the aviation sector, with NAHCO’s authorization serving as a cornerstone achievement.
Beyond granting NAHCO the authority to handle radioactive shipments, the meeting between the NCAA and NNRA produced a comprehensive roadmap for future collaboration. The two agencies adopted NNRA’s implementation plan as their working document, agreeing to establish a technical working group within 14 working days. This group will oversee the effective execution of the MoU, ensuring coordinated efforts between the two regulatory bodies. The agreement also emphasizes the importance of joint training programs, emergency preparedness drills, and regular review meetings to address emerging issues and maintain consistent progress. These measures underscore a commitment to a unified and proactive approach to regulating the handling of sensitive materials within the aviation industry.
The collaborative spirit between the NCAA and NNRA extends to the harmonization of licensing validity and duration, further streamlining regulatory processes. This synchronization of licensing practices eliminates potential conflicts or discrepancies, simplifying procedures for companies operating within the industry. The joint action plan, complete with defined timelines for key activities, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring both agencies operate in lockstep. This organized approach strengthens the overall regulatory framework, creating a more predictable and efficient environment for companies like NAHCO and their clients.
NAHCO’s leadership expressed immense satisfaction with the regulatory approval, recognizing its potential to transform the handling of sensitive materials within the Nigerian aviation sector. Saheed Lasisi, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, hailed the decision as a boon for importers and exporters previously facing challenges transporting radioactive shipments. He emphasized the significance of this approval for major international airlines and international oil companies (IOCs), enabling them to move critical radioactive cargo in and out of the country with ease. This streamlined process directly addresses the needs of NAHCO’s key clients, solidifying the company’s commitment to facilitating their business operations.
Olumuyiwa Olumekun, NAHCO’s Group Managing Director/CEO, expressed gratitude to both the NCAA and NNRA for their confidence in the company’s capabilities. He underscored NAHCO’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety and compliance standards, assuring that rigorous procedures and highly trained professionals will manage the handling of radioactive materials with utmost diligence. This commitment to meticulous handling procedures and specialized training underscores NAHCO’s prioritization of safety and its adherence to stringent regulatory requirements. The company’s proactive approach to compliance and safety not only reinforces its credibility but also strengthens Nigeria’s position in handling sensitive materials within the global aviation landscape.
