Nigeria Government Disburses N18 Billion to Ex-Airways Workers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced an N18 billion severance settlement for 2,700 former employees of Nigeria Airways Limited, more than two decades after the airline was liquidated. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicated that 2,100 former workers from Batches 1 to 7 have already received their severance benefits, while payments for an additional 600 beneficiaries are being finalized.

The settlement, which encompasses nine batches, is expected to see beneficiaries in Batches 8 and 9 receive their payments shortly. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, emphasized the government's commitment to fulfilling outstanding obligations.

The ministry acknowledged the contributions of Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo and the National Assembly Joint Committees on Aviation in facilitating this settlement. A second-phase mop-up exercise is planned to address beneficiaries whose records were not processed initially.

This settlement follows persistent demands from former workers and aviation unions for unpaid pensions and entitlements.