FG Begins N18bn Payment to Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the payment of N18 billion in outstanding severance benefits to 2,700 former workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, which was liquidated over two decades ago. Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja.

He stated that 2,100 former workers from batches one to seven have already received their benefits, while another 600 from batches eight and nine have been cleared for payment. This initiative follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu aimed at resolving long-standing obligations to these former employees.

Oyedele noted that many beneficiaries had aged or passed away while waiting for their entitlements. He acknowledged that the settlement could not fully compensate for the lengthy wait but emphasized the government's commitment to addressing inherited obligations.

Payments are being made in batches after extensive verification to prevent fraud, and deceased beneficiaries' payments will be directed to their next-of-kin or estates.