Lagos — The management of Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has affirmed that it believes and is committed to moves aimed at privatising the ground handling company.

In a statement issued by its Head, Public Communications, Mr. Basil Agboarumi, the company said it is "looking forward to the commencement and quick completion of the privatisation of SAHCOL".

"With every opportunity, the Managing Director/CEO SAHCOL, Chike Ogeah, has disclosed that privatisation is a one stop shop to solving the problems of SAHCOL.

He had also in many instances stated that SAHCOL requires capital, which only privatisation can bring for now, to buy equipment and give SAHCOL a new direction, most especially now that government is not ready to put any kobo into SAHCOL.

"On the issue of welfare, the Management since inception has given priority to the welfare of staff. For example, between 2002 and now, we have had five (5) Chief Executive Officers who have shifted the payment of 45% salary arrears and other benefits due to staff without any apology. Since the assumption of this Management, these entire backlogs spanning various management and running into many years have been cleared.

"You may wish to know that despite SAHCOL slim resources, (SAHCOL does not receive subvention from the Federal Government despite being owned 100% by the Federal Government) this management still went out of its convenience to pay the severance benefit of over 300 staff that of their own volition disengaged from the company recently," the statement said.

It noted that "in SAHCOL, staff welfare is given a priority; despite the lean resources at the company's disposal," adding that "the management should be commended for taking this singular act to improve the welfare of staff.