The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a final three-day ultimatum to airlines over outstanding debts, warning that services will be withdrawn from May 6 if payments are not made.
Aviation ground handlers are personnel that provide
essential support services to aircraft on the ground at airports.
The development was disclosed in a notice dated April 30 and
addressed to the president of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In the letter, signed by Olaniyi Adigun, chairman of the
association, and Ahmed Bashir, the vice-chairman, the group said it is yet to
receive any response from airline operators despite previous engagements.
“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026 on the above
subject matter and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this
correspondence, we are yet to receive any communication, commitment, or
concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the
notice reads.
“This continued lack of response has further heightened the
financial and operational strain on our members, who have consistently engaged
in good faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success.
“Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of
three (3) days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which
our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted
airlines, without further recourse, in addition to pursuing all other remedies
available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.”
The association said the ultimatum, initially scheduled to
commence on May 1, was deferred in recognition of Workers’ Day celebrations.
“Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday,
4th May 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will
take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution,” AGHAN said.
AGHAN OPEN FOR DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE MATTER
However, the group said it remains open to immediate and
constructive engagement to avoid disruption to aviation operations.
“Kindly note that the Honourable Minister of Aviation and
Aerospace Development, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation
Authority (NCAA), the Director General of the Department of State Services
(DSS), and other relevant stakeholders have been duly copied on this
correspondence, in light of the far-reaching economic, safety, security, and
national implications associated with this matter,” AGHAN said.
The warning comes days after President Bola Tinubu approved
a 30 percent discount on debts owed by domestic airlines to aviation agencies
to cushion the impact of the rising aviation fuel cost.
On April 14, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)
threatened to suspend operations from April 20 over the rising cost of aviation
fuel.
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