Nigeria's Ground Handlers Suspend All Services to XEJET Airline Over N300m Unpaid Debt
Why It MattersThe dispute signals mounting financial strain across Nigeria's domestic aviation sector, as ground handlers tighten credit terms and enforce collective action against indebted carriers.
The Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) directed its members to immediately suspend all ground handling services to XEJET Airline, citing an outstanding debt of approximately N300 million that the carrier has failed to repay. The directive was announced on Monday in a joint statement signed by AGHAN President Olaniyi Adigun and Vice President Bashir Ahmed, who said XEJET had repeatedly failed to honour agreed payment arrangements despite multiple engagements.
The suspension has already affected XEJET's operations, with some passengers' check-in luggage transferred to another domestic carrier after ground handling support was withdrawn. AGHAN said compliance with the directive among its members stood at 100 per cent and that it would continue withholding services until XEJET settles the debt in full or reaches a satisfactory repayment arrangement.
The action follows an earlier seven-day ultimatum AGHAN had issued to all indebted domestic airlines, requiring payment of at least 75 per cent of outstanding balances or face service suspension. Several other airlines responded with payment plans and began clearing debts, but XEJET failed to meet the terms of its arrangement. AGHAN warned that other airlines with outstanding obligations face similar sanctions if they do not comply with agreed payment schedules, while acknowledging the difficult economic environment facing the sector amid rising equipment and manpower costs for ground handlers.
XEJET's spokesperson, Juliet Atikpekpe, did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment.
