The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) on in
Enugu declared that it had plans to move freights valued
at N60 billion annually to Enugu and other states in the
South-east zone of the country through the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport, Enugu.
The Chairman of NAHCO, Alhaji Suleiman Yahya, spoke as
the state Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, formally
inaugurated the new customs-bonded cargo warehouse
said to be the second largest in the country with capacity
to handle 100, 000 metric tonnes of cargo.
“We estimate that about 60 billion naira worth of cargo
which is about 20 per cent of the entire cargo in Lagos is
earmarked for the five eastern states with a lot of them
finding their ways to Enugu, Onitsha, Aba and Umuahia,”
Yahya said.
He added that when the past administration decided to
upgrade the Enugu Airport to an international one, his
company decided to be the first to support operations in
the airport, adding that they had already done a lot of test
run with Ethiopian Airlines for six months and that a
number of international airlines, especially, the Emirates
are ready to come in.
He noted that the 60 billion naira invested in the cargo
programme in the state would generate a lot of economic
multipliers to Enugu since the state would have a lot of
visitors, investors, agents and small manufacturers
among others.
“Enugu State will have a direct access to international
trade hub with China, Dubai, UK and Europe because
cargo will be globally consolidated and it will be cheaper
for eastern businessmen to directly send their cargo to
Enugu rather than to send it to Lagos,” he said, adding
that the company being an enterprise with special
interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, passenger
facilitation, crew
Transportation and aviation training would guarantee the
safety and security of cargoes in line with international
conventions and standards.
He noted that consequent upon the cargo business that
the state would benefit from significant employment of
both skilled and non-skilled manpower, it would compete
with Port Harcourt, Kano and Abuja in cargo business and
thereafter would compete with Lagos.
The NAHCO chairman who observed that easterners are
the second largest employees of Nigerian Aviation
Handling Company, asked the government and people of
Enugu State to use the company to showcase what they
do both internationally and nationally, adding that Enugu
is strategically located.
He used the opportunity to urge the governor to cause the
federal government to complete the airport in the state to
enhance the cargo business transactions.
Speaking at the event, Customs Area Comptroller (Enugu/
Anambra/Ebonyi Area Command), Kashim Ajiya said the
revenue profile of the command area would definitely
increase with the establishment of the warehouse.
Ajiya who noted that 98 per cent of the several billions of
naira received as revenue by the area command was
basically from excise traders and not from import duties
despite the presence of the Akanu Ibiam International
Airport, lamented that they realise a paltry N500,000
monthly from the airport through passenger baggage
declarations.
He noted that the sum of N11.8 billion generated in the
command between 2014 till date were mainly from excise
traders, with the bulk from alcoholic beverages.
He urged the NAHCO to ensure that it does not tolerate
non-compliant trade in its warehouse especially as it has
negatively affected trade facilitation and revenue
collection.
He equally warned that the area command would
thoroughly scrutinise all suspicious trade conducts, while
saying he hopes that the area command would reap
millions of naira in revenue from custom duties with the
opening of the warehouse.
On his part, the MD/CEO of the company Mr. Nobert
Bielderman, said both federal and state governments need
to enhance their tax collection potential in the face of
dwindling oil revenues, adding that far more taxes can
only be generated if individuals and corporate bodies are
prosperous.
Bielderman who was represented by the Chief Operating
Officer of the company, Hassan Yahaya, reaffirmed the
commitment of NAHCO in partnering with any government
or agency that shares in its vision of enhancing the
economic development of Nigeria and empowering its
citizens.
In his remarks at the event, Governor Ugwuanyi who was
represented by his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, said the
new bonded warehouse would come as a big relief to
businessmen in the state who have had to endure a lot of
hardship when bringing in their goods.
He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to remain
steadfast in its resolve to continue to create a conducive
atmosphere for businesses to thrive in the state.
“We are ready and willing to offer you all the cooperation
and assistance required to sustain the successful and
effective operation in Enugu.”
Ugwuanyi noted that since the establishment of the
company that it has been a major player in the nation’s
aviation sector, handling about 70 per cent of foreign and
domestic air lines operating in the country.
He added that the company has now become more
influential with an expanded financial and economic base
following its privatisation in 2005 and entry into stock
exchange in 2006.
He thanked the management team for bringing services to
Enugu State, adding that the company’s construction of
the first multi-billion naira customs cargo is a stepping
stone for more investment as the state will assist it to do
more.

http://www.bnlpulse.com/2015/09/nahco-to-convey-n60bn-freightas-it-inaugurates-largest-custom-bonded-warehouse-in-enugu-airport/

This is great news! and would translate into more economic boom in d state.
The people of Enugu state and SE re sure not to forget GEJ anytime soon.

Good progress from an airport that was once said to be unviable by opposing forces.

All happening with just the success recorded by one international airline (Ethiopian). The situation could be better imagined if and when travellers gets the privillege of flying out of the country from Enugu with their choice airlines.

kelvincoll:
This is great news! and would translate into more economic boom in d state.
The people of Enugu state and SE re sure not to forget GEJ anytime soon.

Yes, thanks to GEJ planning.