The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has threatened to withdraw ground handling services for members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON) over outstanding debts owed ground handling companies ahead of May 6 deadline.
Though the total amount of debt owed the ground handling companies was not stated in the letter to AON , sources close to the handling companies alleged that it runs into millions of Naira
The threat to withdraw services is contained in a letter addressed to the President of AON titled, Re: Outstanding Indebtedness and Final Notice of Withdrawal of Services, jointly signed by the Chairman, AGHAN, Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman, Ahmed Bashir
for the association.
The association informed that it had in its letter dated April 20, 2026 on the outstanding Indebtedness of the airline operators to ground handling companies, adding that as of the date of this correspondence, AGHAN is yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness.
This continued lack of response, AGHAN said has further heightened the financial and operational strain on its members, who have consistently engaged in good faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success.
AGHAN stated that as a result of the above, it is 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 hinted that in view of the May Day celebration which was on May 1 by Nigerian workers, and in recognition of the significance of this occasion as well as our respect for applicable labour considerations and industrial harmony, the three (3) day final ultimatum, originally scheduled to commence on Friday, 1st May 2026—will be deferred.
“Accordingly, the notice period shall now run from Monday, May 4, 2026 to Wednesday, 6th May 2026, after which the intended action will take effect should there be no satisfactory resolution.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, we remain open to immediate and constructive engagement aimed at resolving this matter amicably and avoiding any disruption to aviation operations and the travelling public,” AGHAN said.
The association hinted that the 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. While hoping that this will receive AON’s urgent attention.
About The Author
