Crisis has erupted in Nigeria’s aviation sector as two government agencies clashed following the recent grounding of all Arik Air’s fleets over $2.5 million debts.
This comes after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo announced the grounding of all the fleet of Arik Airline.
In a follow-up to the Minister’s announcement, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency explained that the Keyamo decision is due to a subsisting court order from the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“The Minister Being a member of the Inner Bar himself understands the implication of the Supreme Court Order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not risk his license as a legal practitioner or his privilege as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by engaging in acts that will frustrate an order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria”, the Spokesperson of NAMA, Abdullahi Musa said in a statement on Tuesday.
However, in a swift response to the suspension, a statement by the Chief Executive Officer of the domestic carrier, Arik Air (Managed by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON), Roy Ilegbodu expressed dismay at the Minister’s action.
The management of Arik Air (In Receivership) is dismayed by the sudden order issued by the Honourable Minister of Aviation to ground our Aircraft.
This decision, made without warning or consultation, has serious repercussions for our valued passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.
This is a devastating blow to our passengers, employees, and the Nigerian economy,” he said.
On his part, he argued that the decision of the Minister comes, “despite that a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting our Aircraft, after which, further to an originating motion filed by AMCON, the High Court of the FCT on July 25, 2024, clearly instructed all parties to maintain status quo”.
It has been reported that the Abuja Court had ordered the sale of Arik Air’s aircraft to offset debts owed Arthur Eze and others by the airline.
This comes amid the challenges of high airfares, infrastructural deficiencies and safety, faced by Nigeria’s aviation sector.
