South African Airways (SAA) Cargo, in partnership with its Nigerian General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), Sky Logistics Cargo Limited, has celebrated leading cargo agents in Nigeria for their exceptional performance during the 2024/2025 financial year. The recognition came at the airline’s Customer Engagement Forum held in Lagos, which brought together top industry stakeholders and partners.
The high-profile event was attended by senior SAA Cargo executives, including Mr. Kekeletso Mokwena, General Manager, SAA Cargo; Mrs. Nontobeko Mohube, Regional Africa Sales Specialist; and Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, SAA Country Manager. Also present were distinguished industry leaders: Mrs. Alice Katiti, Acting CEO of GHI Assets (parent company of Sky Logistics Cargo); Mr. Donald Adekunle, General Manager Cargo, SAHCO Plc; Mr. Christopher Isaiah, General Manager – Commercial, GHI Assets; and Mr. Sulyman Akinwande, General Manager, Sky Logistics Cargo Limited.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mokwena expressed appreciation to Nigerian cargo agents for their partnership and resilience.
“It is encouraging to note that since our last visit to Nigeria two years ago, the market performance has remained strong. We have had a successful financial year, and the first quarter has started positively, thanks to your continued support. The Lagos route now contributes approximately 24% to SAA Cargo’s overall business, making it a vital component of our global network,” he said.
Mr. Mokwena added that the airline is actively exploring ways to increase frequency to Lagos, with the long-term goal of introducing a daily service as demand grows and additional aircraft become available.
Mrs. Mohube, SAA Cargo’s Regional Africa Sales Specialist, praised Nigerian cargo agents for their 100% compliance with operational standards, particularly in cargo declaration and packaging.
She noted that this high level of professionalism has ensured safe, seamless operations and zero complaints, a performance she described as exemplary within the regional cargo network.
During a robust feedback session, agents highlighted the absence of direct flights to Europe as a key challenge. In response, Mr. Mokwena reaffirmed SAA’s commitment to strategic and sustainable growth, noting that plans to reinstate direct flights to European destinations are in active progress.
In the interim, SAA has established strategic interline partnerships with global carriers, enabling customers in Nigeria to enjoy seamless cargo movement between Europe and Africa, including access to hubs such as Amsterdam.
Mr. Akinwande, General Manager of Sky Logistics, urged agents to build on their successes and push for greater volumes.
“The continued support of our agents has been the cornerstone of this business. To justify the market’s demand for increased flight frequency, we must collectively double our efforts to grow the business further,” he said.
Mrs. Leke-Bamtefa, SAA’s Country Manager, emphasised that the forum was organised to formally recognise and appreciate agents’ contributions.
Awards were presented to the top eight cargo agents for their outstanding performance as follows:
Platinum Award: DHL (1st), YOMEX (2nd), BASHOD (3rd), ADAYOK (4th)
Gold Award: SAY MIGHTY (5th), SAMWISE (6th), PASSMARK (7th), PELUJO (8th).
South African Airways Cargo continues to expand capacity across Africa and globally. Its Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft, operating long-haul routes to Brazil and Australia, offers up to 15 tonnes of cargo capacity. On domestic and regional routes, the airline operates the Airbus A320, providing reliable connectivity across Africa.
With Lagos now a strategic pillar of SAA Cargo’s global operations, both SAA and Sky Logistics reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger partnerships, deepening market presence, and positioning Nigeria as a hub for future growth.
