Debt Controversy Grounds Arik Air’s Entire Fleet.
Arik Air’s fleet has been grounded due to a controversial $2.5 million debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd., following a court order. The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) enforced the grounding based on an order from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, which had attached Arik’s aircraft as part of the debt recovery process. The court’s action stems from a long-standing legal battle, with Arik losing appeals up to the Supreme Court.
In response, Arik Air’s CEO, Roy Ilegbodu, criticized Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for the sudden decision, calling it “disastrous” and “unjust.” He argued that the grounding disregards ongoing judicial processes and harms the public by disrupting essential air services. Ilegbodu called for the grounding order to be lifted to allow the airline to continue operating while the legal issues are resolved.
