Keyamo Blames Atiku for Nigeria Airways Collapse Issues

On October 14, 2026, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of hypocrisy regarding the collapse of Nigeria Airways. Keyamo pointed out that during Atiku's tenure, the airline was liquidated in September 2004, leaving thousands of workers without jobs or retirement benefits.

He stated that the closure resulted in billions of naira in unpaid pensions and gratuities, with former workers struggling for years to recover their entitlements. Keyamo criticized Atiku for selectively taking credit for decisions made during the Obasanjo-Atiku administration while avoiding accountability for its failures.

In response to the long-standing issue, President Tinubu approved N36 billion to settle outstanding payments owed to former Nigeria Airways workers, with beneficiaries already receiving payment alerts. Keyamo also accused Atiku of misleading younger Nigerians about the airline's history and its collapse.