Follow Us on Google
By Chinelo Obogo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a directive to ground the operation of Arik Air. The decision comes in the wake of a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which mandated the sale of the airline’s aircraft to settle a $2.5 million debt owed Mr. Arthur Eze.
Although the minister has not yet released an official statement regarding his directive, Arik Air’s management, currently in receivership, has responded. In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, the airline asserted that the order to ground its operations defies an existing court order.
Ilegbodu said the decision to ground its aircraft fleet was in disregard of the ongoing judicial processes, pointing out that there is an ongoing case in the Federal High Court, where Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) was asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets.
The statement added that despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting its aircraft, subsequent to which, further to an originating motion filed by AMCON, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on July 25, 2024, which clearly instructed all parties to maintain status quo.
The airline expressed sadness on the grounding of its fleet, describing it as an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of court.
It said: “We believe this action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent, prioritising unsecured private interests over the public good and the rights of secured creditors.
Other News
“We are committed to following the legal process and have full faith in the judiciary to resolve these matters fairly.”
The airline insisted that it had always been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth, providing reliable and safe air travel.
Ilegbodu therefore, urged the authorities to reconsider its decision, lift the grounding order, and allow it to continue serving the public and supporting the economy.
“We stand with our passengers and employees during this challenging time and are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated,” it said.
The airline further alleged that the decision to ground its aircraft fleet was made without warning or consultation, pointing out that such decision would have serious repercussions for its passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.
It maintained that its priority had always been to connect people and facilitate commerce, especially on critical domestic routes, lamenting that the grounding of its fleet disrupted these vital services, leaving passengers stranded and inflating already high travel costs.
“This decision hurts everyday Nigerians who rely on our flights for business, family, and essential activities,” the statement read.
