SAHCO Upholds Integrity: Employee Dismissed Over N100,000 Extortion Incident at MMIA

The skies were meant to symbolize freedom and opportunities, but for Oyewale Oyesiji, a first-time traveler from Osun State, his journey to South Africa in December began on a sour note at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. What should have been a milestone moment for Oyesiji turned into an ordeal when he fell victim to extortion by airport workers, including an employee of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO).

The sum of N100,000, demanded from Oyesiji under unclear pretenses, represented more than just money—it was a dent in his confidence as a traveler and a tarnish on the promise of professionalism in the aviation sector.

When the allegations surfaced, SAHCO acted decisively. An internal investigation not only validated Oyesiji’s claims but also identified the culpable employee. True to its zero-tolerance policy for unethical conduct, SAHCO terminated the individual’s employment, sending a resounding message that integrity remains the cornerstone of its operations.

A source within the company revealed the unwavering stance of SAHCO’s management: “We cannot afford to allow any staff or anyone to soil our name. We are committed to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in our operations.”

Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, stated, “We condemn any act of extortion, harassment, or unethical behavior among our staff. This reported incident is contrary to our values and code of conduct.”

For years, SAHCO has stood out in Nigeria’s aviation sector as a symbol of trust and reliability. Its commitment to professionalism has earned it accolades from industry stakeholders. This incident, though unfortunate, highlights SAHCO’s dedication to rooting out malpractice, ensuring that its values remain uncompromised.

Oyesiji’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges travelers sometimes face and the importance of holding all aviation stakeholders accountable. While his journey began on a distressing note, the swift action taken by SAHCO offers hope for a future where such incidents become relics of the past.

As the aviation sector in Nigeria continues to evolve, SAHCO’s resolve in addressing this issue reinforces the industry’s need for transparency, professionalism, and unwavering adherence to ethical standards.