FG Approves NAHCO For Handling Radioactive Shipments At Airports

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO aviance) to manage the import and export of radioactive materials at its airport facilities. This approval positions NAHCO as a key logistics provider for transporting sensitive materials that emit radiation, including medical equipment, industrial tools, and scientific research supplies.

Regulatory Approval for NAHCO’s Radioactive Shipment Handling

This significant milestone was confirmed in a communiqué jointly issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) following a high-level meeting held in Abuja on February 25, 2025.

According to the document signed by the Assistant General Manager (Legal) of NNRA, Mr. Jamil Salau, on behalf of the Director-General/CEO, Dr. Yau Idris, the approval directs all importers and exporters of radioactive materials—who were previously impacted by shipment restrictions—to engage NAHCO for their logistics needs. This decision effectively lifts an earlier embargo on radioactive shipments, allowing seamless movement of these critical materials.

Key Resolutions and Future Plans

Several resolutions were reached during the Abuja meeting, including:

Launching a joint training program for NAHCO staff and regulatory authorities.
Developing a comprehensive schedule for Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) drills.
Holding periodic review meetings to assess progress and tackle emerging challenges.
Standardizing licensing validity and duration for radioactive shipment handlers.

Additionally, steps will be taken to streamline document-sharing procedures between relevant agencies. The NNRA will also support NCAA in verifying the accuracy of Nigeria’s State Variation Report submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This effort aims to enhance compliance and improve the functionality of the NNRA’s contact listings.

NAHCO’s Commitment to Compliance and Efficiency

Reacting to the approval, NAHCO’s Group Executive Director of Commercial and Business Development, Prince Saheed Lasisi, described it as a major breakthrough for businesses reliant on radioactive shipments. He noted that importers, exporters, and multinational corporations—particularly international airlines and oil and gas firms—can now efficiently transport critical materials requiring stringent regulatory approval.

Similarly, NAHCO’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. He emphasized that NAHCO has established strict operational protocols to ensure 100% adherence to international best practices in handling radioactive cargo. The company has also trained its personnel extensively to execute these specialized operations with precision.

For further details on aviation regulations and safety measures, visit the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)