• Give carriers seven days to pay 75% outstanding obligations
• Nigeria engages major OEMs for aviation infrastructure upgrade

Association of Ground Handling Companies of Nigeria (AGHAN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to two major domestic airlines to settle 75 per cent of their outstanding debts or risk suspension of ground handling services.

A joint statement yesterday by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Olaniyi Adigun and Bashir Ahmed, respectively, said that the decision followed the executive meeting held last Friday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the debts owed by the two airlines collectively accounted for more than 70 per cent of the total indebtedness to its member companies.

However, AGHAN was silent on the two major debtors.

The association also said the affected airlines were expected to pay 75 per cent of their outstanding obligations within seven days, while the remaining 25 per cent would be settled through mutually agreed structured repayment plans to be completed within 90 days.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has commenced fresh engagements with major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and other global aviation stakeholders as part of efforts to upgrade and modernise aviation infrastructure nationwide.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this yesterday after holding high-level meetings with leading players in the global aviation industry at the second edition of the El Alamein International Airshow in Egypt.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, Tunde Moshood, said that the engagements provided Nigeria with an opportunity to explore practical areas of collaboration with major OEMs to improve the country’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen the sector.

The El Alamein Airshow, which attracted major players in the global aviation industry, is what the statement hinted at. was presided over by the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, alongside the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.

He added that the engagements were critical to the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria’s aviation industry for improved efficiency, safety, competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The statement said that discussions focused on the need for early planning and improved coordination of air transportation and other aviation-related arrangements for Nigerian pilgrims.

Keyamo said this was important to ensure the aviation component of the 2027 Hajj was properly coordinated and to provide a smoother travel experience for Nigerian pilgrims.