Uncertainty at Abuja airport as ground handlers await strike directive 

Operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport continued as normal on Wednesday, but uncertainty loomed among aviation workers as ground handlers awaited a possible directive to embark on a nationwide strike over unresolved debts owed by airline operators.

A baggage handler who spoke with BusinessDay at the airport said there had been no official communication yet from their head office regarding the planned industrial action.

“As you can see, activities are going on normally for now. We have not received any directive from our head office in Lagos — that is where we get our instructions from.

“We are still doing our jobs until we receive any instruction to embark on a strike. Whether the strike will commence tomorrow, Thursday, I do not know yet. But the issues are still there and our demands have not been met,” he said.

The looming disruption follows a three-day ultimatum issued by the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria (AGHAN) to airline operators over outstanding debts owed to its members.

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In a notice dated 30th April and addressed to the President of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), AGHAN warned that it would withdraw services from 6th May if the debts were not settled.

The letter, signed by Olaniyi Adigun, AGHAN Chairman, and Ahmed Bashir, Vice Chairman, expressed frustration over the lack of response from airline operators despite earlier engagements.

“We refer to our letter dated 20th April 2026 on the above subject matter and wish to bring to your attention that, as of the date of this correspondence, we are yet to receive any communication, commitment, or concrete action from your members regarding the outstanding indebtedness,” the association said.

It added that the continued silence had intensified financial and operational pressure on its members, who provide essential services critical to airport operations.

Ground handlers are responsible for key activities such as baggage handling, ramp services, and aircraft turnaround operations — functions vital to ensuring timely departures and arrivals.

AGHAN noted that it had initially planned to commence the withdrawal of services on 1st May but postponed the action in recognition of Workers’ Day celebrations. The revised deadline ran from Monday, 4th May, to Wednesday, 6th May.

“Consequently, we are constrained to issue a final notice of three (3) days for the settlement of all outstanding obligations, failing which our members shall proceed with the withdrawal of services to all indebted airlines,” the statement said.

As the deadline expires, aviation stakeholders and passengers remain on edge, with concerns that any disruption to ground handling services could significantly affect flight operations across the country if a last-minute resolution is not reached.