FG Disburses N18bn to 2,700 Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed N18 billion in outstanding severance benefits to 2,700 ex-workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele confirmed this payment during a press briefing on Friday, stating that it follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

The payments are being made in batches, with assurances that all verified ex-workers will receive their dues within the coming days. Oyedele emphasized that this initiative transcends mere financial transactions, highlighting the importance of dignity, trust, and the government's responsibility to fulfill its obligations to citizens.

He noted that behind each verified pension arrear is a retiree and their family, and behind every unpaid contractual certificate are Nigerian businesses and employees. Nigeria Airways was officially liquidated in 2004, and since then, the severance benefits owed to its workers had remained unpaid.