Arik Air Grounded Amidst Legal Turmoil, Minister’s Directive Sparks Controversy, Arik Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has been grounded with immediate effect following an order from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The directive has left passengers stranded and the airline’s management in disarray.
Although the Ministry of Aviation has not provided an official explanation for the grounding, sources suggest the action is tied to ongoing legal issues. Recently, an Abuja Court mandated the sale of Arik Air’s aircraft and other assets to settle debts owed to Arthur Eze and other creditors. The judgment specifically ordered the sale of aircraft with registration numbers B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-0–/5N-MJQ, and Dash 8-Q400, 5N-BKK.
Reacting to the minister’s order, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which currently manages Arik Air under receivership, expressed shock and disappointment. In a statement signed by Chief Executive Officer Captain Roy Ilegbodu, AMCON criticized the decision for its lack of warning and consultation.
“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,” the statement read.
AMCON emphasized that the grounding disrupts essential services on critical domestic routes, inflates travel costs, and negatively impacts everyday Nigerians relying on the airline for business and family activities. The management also noted that the directive disregards ongoing judicial processes, referring to a February 2016 judgment in favor of Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze. Despite a writ of attachment issued on July 18, 2024, targeting Arik’s aircraft, the Federal High Court had ordered all parties to maintain the status quo on July 25, 2024.
“Despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting our Aircraft, subsequent to 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. We therefore are perplexed as to the grounding of our fleet, which is an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of the court,” the statement added.
AMCON argued that the minister’s decision undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent by prioritizing unsecured private interests over the public good and the rights of secured creditors. The corporation reaffirmed its commitment to the legal process and expressed confidence in the judiciary to resolve the matter fairly.
“Arik has always been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth, providing reliable and safe air travel. We urge the authorities to reconsider this decision, lift the grounding order, and allow us 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,” the statement concluded.
This grounding order highlights ongoing complexities in Nigeria’s aviation sector and raises concerns about the future of Arik Air, an airline once seen as a vital player in the country’s economic and social fabric.