The Managing Director of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Mr Ahmed Kuru, has explained why it took over the Arik Airline.
He said the embattled company was owing it N146 billion.
He made this known at a meeting with the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on Wednesday in Abuja.
Kuru said that the N146 billion owed the corporation was part of a total of N352.5 billion debt profile of the airline.
According to him, non-performing loans of Arik were acquired in 2011 from two banks in line with AMCON’s statutory mandate. He listed the banks as Union Bank which was owed N71 billion and Keystone, N14 billion.
“So far, AMCON has paid N9.05 billion on behalf of Arik. Total recoveries from Arik till date is N4.6 billion and total repayment by Arik in the last 12 months is N50 million only.
“As at December, 2016, Arik’s debt in AMCON stood at N146 billion due to mounting interests and unpaid principal.
“The consolidated exposure of debtor companies in which Mr John Arumemi-Ikhide is the principal promoter in AMCON stands at N263.7 billion.
“This figure excludes Arik’s indebtedness to other banks, aviation authorities (local and foreign), vendors, contractors and workers.
“Arik has about 30 aircrafts, the largest fleet in Nigeria and holds approximately 55 per cent to 60 per cent of the air transport market in Nigeria.
“It serves 18 domestic and 11 international destinations, including Johannesburg, London, Dubai, and New York, with estimated revenue at N7 billion monthly,’’ he said.
In his remark, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim, said that the committee supported the action taken by AMCON.
“Whatever you do within the ambit of the law and that you do not infringe on the fundamental rights of Nigerians, we are in support.
“We will be interested as to what led you to your final decision and your turn-around plan for Arik,” he said.
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