Domestic and international flight operations by Nigerian carriers could face disruptions from Tuesday after the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria issued a seven-day ultimatum over more than 9 billion naira owed by airlines.
AGHAN, the umbrella body for five ground handling companies, said the outstanding debt is straining operations and threatening the delivery of essential aviation services.
The association’s members — Skyway Handling Company of Nigeria, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, Butake Handling Company, Precision Handling Company Ltd. and Swissport Handling Company — provide services including passenger check-in, baggage handling, aircraft marshalling, refueling coordination and ramp support.
In a letter dated April 21, 2026, addressed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AGHAN warned that its members may withdraw services if the debts are not settled within seven days.
The letter, signed by AGHAN Chairman Olaniyi Adigun and Vice Chairman Ahmed Bashir, was also copied to the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo; the director-general of civil aviation, Chris Najomo; the managing director of the Federal Airports Authorities of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku; the director-general of the Department of State Services,Oluwatosin Ajayi; and the inspector-general of police, Olatunji Disu.
AGHAN said the prolonged nonpayment has put significant pressure on its members’ operational capacity, affecting their ability to provide safe, efficient and sustainable services, while also creating financial strain on their workforce.
Despite repeated engagements with airline operators, the association said payment commitments have largely not been met.
“In the light of the foregoing … our members may be constrained to withdraw services should these outstanding debts remain unresolved within seven days,” the letter said.
AGHAN expressed hope that the ultimatum would prompt swift action by airlines to settle the debts and avert disruptions. It also apologized to passengers for any inconvenience and said it remains committed to a peaceful resolution.
A shutdown of ground handling services would likely disrupt flight operations across Nigeria’s airports.
