A crisis has emerged in Nigeria’s aviation sector as two government agencies clash over the recent grounding of all Arik Air’s fleets due to $2.5 million in debts.
This conflict began when the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the grounding of Arik Air’s entire fleet. Following this, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) clarified that Keyamo’s decision was based on a Supreme Court order.
NAMA spokesperson Abdullahi Musa stated, “The Minister, being a member of the Inner Bar, understands the implications of the Supreme Court order dismissing the motion for leave to appeal and will not jeopardize his legal license or his status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria by violating the court’s decision.”
In response to the suspension, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Roy Ilegbodu, expressed disappointment with the Minister’s action. He stated, “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.”
Ilegbodu argued that the Minister’s decision ignored a writ of attachment issued on July 18, 2024, targeting their aircraft. He also noted that a subsequent High Court of the FCT order on July 25, 2024, instructed all parties to maintain the status quo.
The Abuja Court had previously ordered the sale of Arik Air’s aircraft to settle debts owed to Arthur Eze and others by the airline. This situation unfolds amid broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector, including high airfares, infrastructural deficiencies, and safety concerns.