Full privatization seen behind the success of SACHOL, says BPE

Alex A. Okoh, director general of Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), has said that the full privatisation method used for Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) was chiefly responsible for the success so far recorded by the company, adding that the method ensured that the company had ample opportunity to optimise quality of service delivery devoid of government interference.

The BPE boss made these observations when he recently undertook a post-privatisation monitoring tour of SAHCOL facilities at its headquarters in Lagos.

He specifically described SAHCOL as one of the success stories of the privatisation programme, adding that the dynamics behind this success could be replicated in other enterprises.

“Essentially we want you to know that we are quite pleased with the progress SAHCOL has made so far, which goes to justify the principles of privatization,” he said.

He noted that his observations during the facility tour reflected the findings of post-privatisation monitoring reports by officials of the Bureau and an adherence to Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) by the core investor. He lauded the management of SAHCOL for efforts made to boost the efficiency of service.

Rizwan Kadri, managing director of SAHCOL, expressed appreciation for the Bureau’s unwavering support for the company since its privatisation. He pledged to keep up with the standards as well as continue collaboration with the BPE.

He added that SAHCOL, being an aviation ground handling company, has ensured continuous upgrade in passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling and warehousing, aviation security by deploying appropriate tools.

SAHCOL was handed over to the Sifax Group in December 2009, following its privatisation by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Analysts, however, are of the opinion that the benefits of full privatization of SAHCOL should have been extended to the power assets, which have not been managed efficiently under the private sector after almost four years of privatization.

The federal, state and local government still have up to 40 percent stake in the new electricity companies, which have restricted investments in the sector.