The Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has made a bold move in response to an alarming case of extortion and harassment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. A staff member, whose identity remains withheld, was recently dismissed after being found guilty of extorting N100,000 from a passenger in December 2024. This incident has raised concerns over the rising issue of misconduct within Nigeria’s aviation sector, particularly at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
The scandal first came to light when a passenger, Oyewale Oyesiji, an automobile engineer and first-time international traveller, accused airport staff of demanding an unreasonable fee before allowing him to proceed with his journey to South Africa. Oyesiji’s claims prompted an internal investigation by SAHCO, resulting in the staff member’s dismissal following a thorough probe.
According to sources within the company, the investigation began as soon as the company became aware of the complaint. “Immediately we got wind of the allegation, our management set up a panel to investigate the matter. The panel found him guilty of the allegation levelled against him and submitted its report to the management,” revealed an insider who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
SAHCO’s swift response indicates a zero-tolerance approach towards unethical behaviour within its ranks. The ground handling company, which provides aviation support services at MMIA, emphasized that this particular incident should not be seen as representative of its operations. The company issued a statement reinforcing its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
The company’s spokesperson, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, in an official statement, reaffirmed the company’s stance on corruption and misconduct. “We condemn any act of extortion, harassment, unethical behaviour, or misconduct among our staff or operations. The reported incident is contrary to our values and the code of conduct that governs all our staff. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of corruption or misconduct, and this case is being thoroughly investigated,” she said.
SAHCO’s decisive action also comes as part of its efforts to restore public confidence in the ground handling services sector. The company, known for its critical role in airport operations, has pledged to meet with the affected passenger to personally update him on the resolution of the case.
While the dismissed staff member’s identity remains undisclosed, his actions have highlighted the ongoing challenges in curbing corruption at major Nigerian airports. For years, passengers have reported being extorted by airport workers, a matter that has caught the attention of several authorities. However, this incident marks a rare case of swift corporate intervention, which industry experts hope will set a precedent for other organizations within the aviation sector.
Oyesiji, the victim of the extortion, expressed relief upon hearing of the dismissal. He told news sources, “As a first-time traveller, I was both shocked and distressed when I was asked for an exorbitant fee. I am grateful that SAHCO took immediate action and has shown commitment to addressing the issue. It gives me hope that other passengers will not go through the same experience.”
While the company’s internal investigation led to the dismissal of the accused staff member, concerns over broader systemic issues persist. Many passengers, especially those who travel frequently through Nigerian airports, continue to voice their frustrations about extortion and other forms of misconduct by personnel. Critics argue that without a broader overhaul of the airport system, including stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, such incidents may continue to plague the aviation industry.
Security expert and consultant, Dr. Obinna Nwachukwu, weighed in on the incident. “This is a welcome development. However, the focus should also be on creating a culture of accountability and transparency within the entire aviation ecosystem, from the airlines to the handling companies and security personnel. Isolated incidents like this will continue unless systemic changes are made,” he remarked.
This case has also drawn attention to the role of regulatory bodies in overseeing the actions of private companies operating in sensitive sectors such as aviation. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the country’s aviation watchdog, has faced criticism in the past for its perceived lack of rigorous oversight, which many claim contributes to a culture of impunity within the industry.
The SAHCO case could, however, spur calls for increased regulation and monitoring of airport staff to prevent future occurrences. In light of this, many are hopeful that other organizations in the aviation industry will adopt similar zero-tolerance policies and enforce stricter measures to curb the illegal practices that undermine public trust in Nigeria’s airport systems.
As the investigation continues, SAHCO’s handling of the situation will likely serve as a model for other companies within the sector. If more firms follow suit, it could signal a significant shift towards professionalism and integrity in the Nigerian aviation industry.
Background on SAHCO’s Role in Nigerian Aviation
Founded in 1984, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) has long been a key player in Nigeria’s aviation sector. With its headquarters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, SAHCO provides essential ground handling services, including baggage handling, cargo services, and passenger assistance. It works with several international and domestic airlines operating within the country. The company prides itself on providing high-quality services, but recent events like the extortion case highlight the ongoing challenges it faces in ensuring that all employees adhere to its standards of conduct.
SAHCO’s actions in firing the staff member in question mark an important step in the right direction as it seeks to combat corruption within its ranks and restore its reputation as a trustworthy and professional service provider.
What’s Next for the Aviation Industry?
While SAHCO’s quick action to terminate the employee shows accountability, it also brings to the forefront broader issues within Nigerian airports. As the country’s aviation industry continues to expand, there is a growing need for more robust systems to monitor staff conduct, ensure transparency, and hold accountable those who abuse their positions of trust.
Passengers, particularly those traveling through Murtala Muhammed International Airport, are calling for more stringent oversight and a culture of zero tolerance towards corruption in every facet of the airport experience. Only time will tell if SAHCO’s response will set a new benchmark for the industry at large.
For now, it remains clear that incidents of misconduct will not be tolerated, and that companies like SAHCO are prepared to take action, no matter the consequences.
