- The Aviation Ground Handling Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has raised an alarm over ₦9bn in unpaid debts owed by domestic airlines, warning the figure could double to ₦18bn by December 2026.
- A planned industrial action by ground handlers was halted following a last-minute intervention by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), with a roundtable meeting scheduled for today, Tuesday.
- AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun warned that the survival of ground handling companies is at stake, noting that past airline collapses (like Air Nigeria and Dana Air) left members with unrecoverable losses.
The Nigerian aviation sector is facing a potential crisis as ground handlers demand the immediate settlement of ₦9bn in outstanding debts.
Eko Hot Blog reports that AGHAN, the umbrella body for these service providers, had issued a 10-day ultimatum to domestic carriers, threatening to withdraw essential services, a move that would have grounded flights nationwide.
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While the strike was suspended to allow for mediation by the NCAA, the association maintains that the current financial strain is unsustainable.
Chairman Olaniyi Adigun dismissed claims from airline operators that the timing of the demand was inappropriate, pointing out that airlines continue to collect ticket fares from passengers while “consuming” the services of handlers without payment.
He noted a sharp contrast with international carriers, who typically remain up to date with their payments.
The association is now pushing for a legally binding agreement, mediated by the NCAA, to ensure debt recovery and prevent future accumulation.
The outcome of today’s meeting will be critical for the industry.
If a resolution is not reached, the threat of service withdrawal remains on the table, posing a significant risk to domestic flight operations.
Ground handlers provide the technical and logistical support necessary for aircraft to take off and land, meaning any prolonged dispute could lead to widespread travel disruptions across the country.
