Regarding an alleged N9 billion debt, the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria has given airlines one last warning, threatening to stop providing essential ground handling services if payments are not received within three days.
In a letter dated April 30, 2026, to the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, which our journalist was able to receive, the ground handlers conveyed their intense dissatisfaction with the airline operators’ alleged protracted silence and inaction in spite of previous interactions.
The association said, “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 have yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness.”
Remember that the airlines claimed they had been disregarded after AGHAN had already issued them a seven-working-day ultimatum.
The organization said that its members, many of whom offer crucial services like airplane marshalling, baggage handling, and ramp operations at airports across the country, are now more financially burdened due to the ongoing lack of action.
AGHAN noted, “This ongoing lack of response has further increased the financial and operational strain on our members, who have consistently engaged in good faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success.”
In its letter, AGHAN stated that defaulting airlines would receive a final three-day notice before services will be discontinued without further notice.
The letter read, “Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three 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, the association emphasized that it would investigate “all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts” in addition to stopping services. In light of the workers’ celebrations, AGHAN did, however, modify the timing of its ultimatum.
”As a result, the notice period will now extend from Monday, May 4, 2026, to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, after which, in the event that an acceptable resolution cannot be reached, the intended action will take effect.”
The ground handlers insisted that communication is still possible despite the growing impasse, highlighting their desire to prevent any disruptions that would have an impact on the aviation industry.
“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,” said AGHAN.
AGHAN verified that important government and security parties, such as the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, have been informed, reflecting the gravity of the issue.
The association declared, “Given the extensive economic, safety, security, and national implications associated with this matter, relevant stakeholders have been duly copied.”
In the meantime, attempts to get airlines to comment on the issue were unsuccessful since Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the AON’s spokeswoman, did not answer calls or texts.
