…AMCON insists airline is professionally managed
By Ademola Ayodele
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has criticised the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) over its continued control of Aero Contractors, alleging inadequate funding and undue interference in the airline’s operations.
NUATE President, Nnabue Konye, on Thursday said AMCON’s failure to provide sufficient financial support has constrained the airline’s growth and operational stability. He also faulted the corporation for redeploying personnel from Arik Air to Aero Contractors, arguing that AMCON lacks the technical expertise required to manage an aviation business.
Konye called on AMCON to divest its stake in Aero Contractors through the stock market to enable professional, market-driven management. He further urged relevant authorities to grant the airline tax waivers and reliefs to aid its recovery and expansion.
AMCON assumed control of Aero Contractors in 2016 after dissolving its board and appointing an interim manager. At the time, the corporation said the move aligned with its mandate to acquire distressed assets and reposition them for profitability.
Highlighting the union’s concerns, Konye said AMCON’s actions have stalled the airline’s progress despite what he described as organic growth from a single aircraft to a fleet of nearly six through prudent management.
He also alleged that AMCON directed the airline to remit internally generated funds to the corporation instead of reinvesting in operations.
“We wish to draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to these issues, particularly the lack of funding and continued interference by AMCON using personnel without adequate aviation experience,” he said.
In response, AMCON dismissed NUATE’s claims, maintaining that Aero Contractors remains under receivership and is being run by a competent management team.
According to the corporation, the airline is managed by its Managing Director, Capt. Ado Sanusi, whom it described as an experienced aviation professional delivering strong leadership.
“It is misleading to suggest that AMCON is directly running Aero Contractors. The airline is under professional management,” the statement said, adding that the corporation reserves the right to deploy staff to any organisation in which it has an interest.
AMCON also noted that Sanusi, a former Arik Air executive, has demonstrated competence in steering Aero Contractors, dismissing contrary claims as unfounded.
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