Uche Usim
In line with the Federal Government’s privatisation programme, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on Wednesday facilitated the first Initial Public Offer (IPO) in four years with the offering of Skyway Aviation Handling Company’s (SAHCO) 406,074,000 ordinary shares for sale to the investing public.
BPE in a statement said the public offer opened on Monday and closes on Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
The Director General of BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh, while speaking at the event in Lagos, said it was a great a milestone for the Bureau and the privatisation programme in Nigeria; even as he urged the investing public to take advantage of the offer.
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Okoh said the shares being offered for sale would be allotted on the basis of equality between the 360 federal constituencies in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); and therefore advised prospective investors to consult their stockbrokers and Financial Advisers for subscription. He said the move was in fulfillment of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE)’s commitment towards deepening the Capital Market through the provisions of opportunities for investment on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
The Director General reiterated the commitment of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), to ensuring that the transactions, especially reforms geared towards economic recovery for a buoyant Nigerian economy are done in line with international best practices” adding that the present administration was poised to partnering with the local and international investors to explore the opportunities available in the nation’s Capital Market.
According to him, SAHCO Plc (formerly Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited-SAHCOL) ,was incorporated in March 1996 as a 100 per cent fully-owned Federal Government enterprise but was privatised and handed over to the core-investor (SIFAX Group) on December 23, 2009 after being carved out of the liquidated Nigeria Airways Limited. He added that the company is 100 per cent owned by the SIFAX Group.
He noted that SAHCO is one of the success stories of privatisation in Nigeria and pledged the determination of the present administration to ensure that all privatised enterprises are run efficiently and for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Also Speaking, Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the company has grown from 21 per cent to 40 per cent since its take over in 2009 with 100 per cent growth in revenue.
While enjoining the general public to take advantage of the public offer, he said 41 per cent of the shares on sale will go to the investing public while 10 per cent was reserved for staff of the company as statutorily required by the privatisation Act.
On why SAHCO had to wait nine years after take over before going public, he said the company wanted to procure state-of-the-art equipment and have in place the necessary logistics before doing that; and that the investing climate was not ripe before now.