By Peter Egwuatu

Shareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, have commended the board and management for the impressive performance and sustained improvements in shareholders’ returns amidst economic reforms.

At the Annual General Meeting, AGM, shareholders approved the payment of N12.18 billion in cash dividends and distribution of 278.44 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each as bonus shares for the 2025 business year.

The N12.18 billion gross cash dividend for the 2025 business year represented an increase on N11.58 billion paid for the 2024 business year, marking five consecutive years of increase in payouts in the company’s long history of unbroken dividend payment.

Shareholders received a dividend per share of N6.25 for the 2025 business year compared with N5.94 paid for the previous year. Also, with the bonus issue of one ordinary share of 50 kobo each for every seven ordinary shares held, shareholders saw automatic 14.3 per cent increase in their shareholdings. A shareholder with 1,000 shares received additional bonus shares of about 143 shares, increasing total shareholding to 1,143 shares.

President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Faruk Umar said:”Our company has done very well. NAHCO is a delight to us as shareholders. Look at the results, look at the share price and look at our dividends; everything is so remarkable. Last year, the price was N80 per share, today it is over N200, that’s an increase of more than 150 per cent. They keep growing the business, which gives us hope of higher dividends. We believe the dividend next year will be much higher”.

Founding National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sir Sunny Nwosu said: “NAHCO is growing and we are happy about that. We are excited to be part of this family. The board and management deserve commendations, but they must not rest on their oars.”

Another shareholder, Mr Patrick Ajudia commended NAHCO for the company’s impressive outing.

“There is no better joy for shareholders this year than what NAHCO is giving to their shareholders. An improved dividend of N6. 25 plus bonus of one for seven for the 2025 financial year. And of course, a good future prospects to reward shareholders for their investments. I think NAHCO is a place to be.

Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, Dr Seinde Fadeni, said NAHCO has been positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the aviation sector.

According to him, “the reforms in the aviation sector and the overall economy hold positive prospects for aviation industry growth, and NAHCO would continue to explore ways to maintain its position as the leading aviation handling group.”

Commenting as well, Group Managing Director,NAHCO Plc, Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun said that NAHCO has not only navigated economic headwinds but has soared to new heights, reinforcing its position as West Africa’s largest aviation services and logistics group.

He pointed out that while the United States-Israel-Iran conflict represents a major disruption and global risk, and many domestic challenges persist, NAHCO would continue to leverage its efficient operating model, excellent services and built-in resilience to mitigate risks and sustain growth.

“In 2026, NAHCO will accelerate diversification, complete its digitization projects, expand cargo facilities to capture growth in aviation logistics and continuously pursue the board’s commitment to buying new equipment.

“We aim to sustain double-digit growth, enhance shareholders’ return and lead in sustainable aviation practices,” Olumekun said.

Meanwhile, audited financial accounts of NAHCO for the year ended December 31, 2025 showed that total revenue rose by 21.8 per cent from N53.54 billion in 2024 to N65.21 billion in 2025. Gross profit increased from N33.08 billion to N38.61 billion. Operating profit rose by 25 per cent from N19.84 billion in 2024 to N24.84 billion in 2025.

The report also showed that profit before tax jumped by 30 per cent to N24.256 billion in 2025 as against N18.702 billion in 2024. Profit after tax grew by 39.91 per cent from N12.865 billion in 2024 to N17.999 billion in 2025. Earnings per share rose by 40 per cent from N6.60 in 2024 to N9.24 in 2025.