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₦9bn Debt: Ground Handlers Move to Halt Operations, Airlines Risk Service Disruption
- Operators’ silence irks AGHAN
The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) has escalated its standoff with domestic airlines, moving toward withdrawing services due to an outstanding debt exceeding ₦9 billion.
The five major handling companies involved are NAHCO, SAHCO, Butake, Precision, and Swissport.
If services are withdrawn, both domestic and international flight operations across Nigeria will face near-total disruption, as these firms provide the critical ground support required for any flight to depart or arrive.
Following the expiration of an initial seven-day ultimatum on April 28, 2026, the association has indicated that it may now issue a final three-day notice, in accordance with labour laws, to formally halt operations.
In a letter jointly signed by the Chairman of AGHAN, Olaniyi Adigun and Vice-chairman, Ahmed Bashir and addressed to the President of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, titled ” Outstanding Indebtedness and Final Notice of Withdrawal of Services”, dated April 30th, 2026, the duo expressed disappointment that as of the date of correspondence, they were yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from member airlines regarding the outstanding indebtedness.
This continued lack of response, they said, has further heightened the financial and operational strain on the ground handlers, who they said have consistently made good-faith efforts toward an amicable resolution without success.
They said, “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 to pursuing all other remedies available under applicable laws for recovery of the debts.”
“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.”
Notwithstanding the foregoing, we remain open to immediate and constructive engagement to resolve this matter amicably and avoid any disruption to aviation operations and the travelling public. Kindly note 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.”
AGHAN claims domestic carriers owe approximately ₦9 billion for services including passenger check-in, baggage handling, aircraft marshalling, and ramp services.
The airlines have expressed significant distress of their own, reporting losses of over ₦150 billion in the first two months of 2026 alone.
Airlines are struggling with the profitless growth paradox, citing skyrocketing jet fuel prices, which have hit ₦3,300 per litre, and the high cost of aircraft maintenance.
Some airline representatives have argued that threatening a shutdown is counterproductive, as the handlers’ business is entirely dependent on active airline operations.
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