Solar cells export strengthens NAHCO’s global expansion drive
The export of solar cells to the United States has emerged as another milestone for the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) as it expands both its cargo and ground handling operations. The company has also extended major contracts with Qatar Airways, Saudia and ASKY, while securing a fresh agreement with FlyGabon, further consolidating its position as West Africa’s leading ground handling provider.
NAHCO disclosed that BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE began exporting solar cells from Lagos to the United States in January 2026 through its facilities. The project initially utilised scheduled carriers, including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and DHL, with consignments ranging from 20 to 50 tonnes through freight forwarding partners such as Access Freight and Ideal Royal.
According to the company, the solar export operation highlights its growing role in supporting specialised international cargo movements. NAHCO provides end-to-end cargo handling services, including cargo acceptance, build-up, warehousing and export processing. In addition, it delivers full aircraft handling services to ensure efficient departures and seamless operations.
Meanwhile, the company announced the extension of several long-standing airline partnerships. NAHCO renewed its agreement with Qatar Airways for another three years, reinforcing a relationship that has made the Nigerian handler a preferred service provider for the Middle Eastern carrier.
The company also secured a five-year extension with Saudia Airlines, ensuring continuity in a partnership that has lasted for years. Furthermore, regional African carrier ASKY renewed its relationship with NAHCO for another three years.
NAHCO also expanded its customer base by signing a three-year contract with FlyGabon. The agreement runs from October 2024 to September 2027 and aligns with the airline’s recent expansion into the Nigerian market.
FlyGabon is expected to strengthen connectivity between West, Central and Southern Africa. Therefore, the partnership is expected to support the carrier’s growth ambitions while providing additional business opportunities for NAHCO.
The latest agreements add to a growing list of contracts secured by the company in recent months. Earlier deals included partnerships with Sky 7, Pioneer, Avia Green, Benani and the Aviation Clearing House. In January, NAHCO also announced contract renewals and agreements with international operators including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and RwandAir.
The company said the new contracts reflect confidence in its service quality and more than four decades of operational excellence within the aviation industry.
Speaking on the development, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, expressed confidence in NAHCO’s ability to continue delivering value to its airline partners.
“We are fully prepared to exceed the expectations of these new partners, drawing on more than 47 years of unblemished service to maintain its reputation for excellence,” Lasisi said.
He added that the growing number of long-term agreements demonstrates the trust operators continue to place in the company’s capabilities and service standards.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said the company remains focused on creating value for clients and shareholders through innovation and operational efficiency.
According to him, continuous investment in technology is helping the company improve service delivery and meet the increasingly complex requirements of airline operations.
“We remain committed to a strategy that prioritises operational discipline and stakeholder happiness, ensuring that NAHCO continues to set the benchmark for safety and reliability in African aviation,” Olumekun stated.
He added that the company would continue supporting connectivity across Africa while providing comprehensive handling solutions to both international and domestic operators.
With expanding airline partnerships and the growing solar cells export business, NAHCO is strengthening its position as a key player in Africa’s aviation logistics and ground handling sector. The developments also underscore the company’s ability to diversify revenue streams through solar cells exports while supporting global trade and air transport connectivity.
