Niger settles debt with Middle East airport operator to halt $35m New York mansion being seized

The government of Niger has reached a settlement with a Middle Eastern airport operator to avoid the seizure of a $35 million New York mansion owned by the African nation. The dispute between Niger and Menzies Aviation, a regional airport provider, dates back to 2004 when Menzies was awarded a 10-year contract to manage ground-handling services at Niger's airports.

However, Niger cancelled the contract midway and established its own ground-handling unit at the country's main airport, requisitioning Menzies' personnel and equipment without payment. Menzies subsequently sued and won an arbitration case at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), resulting in a default judgment against Niger for $7.6 million.

Niger attempted to seize the mansion in New York to satisfy the debt, but a judge in a New York court allowed Menzies to execute the writ of execution on the property, as the property was being used for commercial activity and was therefore not immune from seizure under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. In July, Niger requested a halt to the proceedings, citing ongoing discussions towards a full and final settlement.

A confidential settlement agreement has now been reached, with Niger fulfilling its financial obligations and all interest and costs being deemed paid in full.