FG Disburses N18bn to 2,100 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has paid N18 billion in outstanding severance benefits to 2,100 former workers of Nigeria Airways, as announced by Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. This payment, disclosed during a briefing in Abuja, covers beneficiaries from batches one to seven, with payments for batches eight and nine finalized.

The total number of beneficiaries is expected to reach 2,700. Oyedele noted that many former employees had waited over two decades for their severance benefits, with some having died while awaiting payment.

The government conducted extensive verification processes, including biometric capture, to ensure payments were made to legitimate beneficiaries. Additionally, the government is addressing other inherited obligations, including pension arrears and debts owed to indigenous contractors, prioritizing smaller contractors.

Oyedele emphasized the government's commitment to fair and transparent payment processes and preventing future arrears by ensuring realistic project commitments.