By Mercy Odeh (Content Editor)

LAGOS, NIGERIA  — The Association of Ground Handling Companies of Nigeria (AGHAN) has threatened  to suspend services to two major domestic airlines over indebtedness, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to engage their service providers.

The association made the threat in a statement signed by its Chairman and Vice Chairman, Mr Olaniyi Adigun and Mr Ahmed Gulmah, respectively.

The association said the debts owed by the two airlines accounted for more than 70 per cent of total indebtedness to AGHAN member-companies.

It said it would give the affected airlines a seven-day ultimatum to pay 75 per cent of their total indebtedness or face withdrawal of services.

The association said that the remaining 25 per cent would be settled through a mutually-agreed repayment plan to be completed within 90 days.

AGHAN said that the decision followed an executive meeting of the association on Friday (Sept. 4.).

It said that  failure of some airlines to meet their financial obligations had placed significant pressure on ground handling companies.

It added that the situation could affect substantial investments required to maintain safe and efficient ground handling operations.

AGHAN  said it recognised the critical role of domestic airlines in Nigeria’s aviation sector and remained committed to resolving issues through constructive engagement.

“However, the sustainability of ground handling operations requires a fair and responsible approach to commercial obligations across the aviation value chain,” it said.

AGHAN said it was aligned with the five-point agenda of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN).

It said that it would continue to  support efforts to build a safe, efficient, commercially-sustainable and globally-competitive aviation industry.

AGHAN advised the affected airlines to use the seven-day period to engage with their respective ground handling companies and make the required payment  to avert disruption to ground handling services.