The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc said it has received the Federal Government’s approval to handle shipments with radioactive contents in its facilities at the airports, the first of its kind in the aviation industry.
The approval, which was jointly conveyed to the ground handling service provider by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, was contained in a communique issued at the end of their February 25, 2025, meeting in Abuja.
According to the statement, the report of the communique signed on behalf of the two federal agencies by the Assistant General Manager in charge of Legal at NNRA, Jamil Salau, for the Director-General/CEO of the Authority, Dr. Yau Usman Idris, the agencies stated that by virtue of this approval, “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 important decision was the highlight of a number of resolutions reached by both parties (NCAA and NNRA) at the meeting held at the NNRA headquarters, Abuja, which was convened to deliberate on modalities for implementing the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties on September 1, 2023.
Other resolutions arrived at during the meeting, apart from the authorisation granted to NAHCO, include the adoption of NNRA’s implementation plan as a working document, the nomination of members to form a technical working group/committee to oversee the MoU implementation within 14 working days, and the development of a joint action plan with timelines for key activities.
The statement further indicated that other resolutions were the commencement of the joint training programme as stipulated in the MoU; preparation of a schedule for joint emergency preparedness and response drills; regular meetings to review progress and address emerging issues; and harmonisation of licensing validity and duration, among others.
Commenting on this approval, the Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Saheed Lasisi, described the development as a good one for the importers and exporters who have been having challenges exporting and importing shipments with radioactive contents.
He stated, “NAHCO is solving all these issues for our clients, especially the big international airlines and IOCs who require the approval granted to NAHCO to move critical shipments that have radioactive contents in and out of the country.”
Lasisi added that NAHCO is always delighted to support the growth of its clients.
The Group Managing Director/CEO, NAHCO Plc, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, thanked the NCAA and the NNRA for granting approval to NAHCO for its facilities to be used to handle materials with radioactive contents.
Olumekun pointed out that the company has put in place clear, diligent, and thorough processes that would ensure 100 per cent compliance with procedures by highly trained company professionals as they carry out these specialised functions.
