Private airline XEJet Limited has instituted two lawsuits at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory arising from a dispute involving its ground-handling account and information subsequently published about an alleged debt.
The airline is seeking a combined ₦16.1 billion in damages from Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, SAHCO, and the Aviation Ground Handlers Association of Nigeria, AGHAN, over allegations including breach of confidentiality and publication of information XEJet says was false.
The claims remain allegations before the court, and no finding has yet been made against SAHCO, AGHAN or the other parties.
₦1.1bn claim against SAHCO
In the first action, marked FCT/HC/CV/4506/2026, XEJet sued SAHCO over the alleged disclosure of information relating to its account and the withdrawal of ground-handling services.
The airline says it had a Standard Ground Handling Agreement with SAHCO effective from January 1, 2026.
The arrangement reportedly covered ground-handling services at airports including Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Asaba and Warri.
XEJet is asking the court to determine whether information concerning its invoices, payments, outstanding sums, payment history and correspondence constituted confidential information protected by the agreement.
It alleges that such information was disclosed to AGHAN without its written consent.
The airline is seeking ₦1 billion in general damages for the alleged breach of confidentiality and an additional ₦100 million over what it describes as the wrongful withdrawal of ground-handling services on September 28.
The airline further disputes the applicability of a credit policy allegedly relied upon in connection with the suspension of services, contending that the policy did not form part of the agreement between the parties.
Second action concerns publication
The second legal front relates to information allegedly published by AGHAN concerning XEJet’s account and purported indebtedness.
The airline disputes the accuracy of the information and is seeking significant damages over what it says were false and damaging publications.
Reports indicate that media organisations were also joined in proceedings arising from reports about the alleged debt.
The controversy therefore presents several commercial-law questions for the FCT High Court.
These include the contractual scope of confidentiality clauses, the legal basis for sharing customer account information with an industry association, whether ground-handling services were lawfully suspended and whether published statements concerning the airline’s financial obligations were accurate or legally actionable.
Commercial confidentiality at centre of dispute
The litigation is significant because confidentiality provisions are common in commercial agreements but disputes frequently arise over exactly what information they protect and whether disclosure to industry associations, regulators or third parties falls within permissible exceptions.
The outcome will depend substantially on the actual contractual terms, communications between the parties and evidence concerning the disputed account.
For now, the amounts being claimed should not be confused with an award by the court.
The ₦16.1 billion represents relief sought by XEJet, not damages already granted.
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Source: TheCable
