The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to, within two weeks, recover the over N18.98billion debt foreign airlines owed the country.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. James Faleke gave the directive when FAAN officials led by its Managing Director, Olubunmi Kuku, appeared before the committee during its ongoing revenue monitoring exercise.
During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over the growing debt profile of several international airlines operating in Nigeria, describing it as unacceptable.
Faleke expressed concern that foreign airlines continue to accumulate debts for airport services despite strict payment timelines.
Earlier in her presentation, FAAN’s MD said airlines were expected to settle charges within two weeks, but noted that several operators have exceeded that period, with some debts stretching beyond 30 days, 90 days, and in certain cases over a year.
During the session, Kuku presented a breakdown of debts owed by several foreign airlines.
