After more than two decades of waiting, relief has finally come the way of thousands of former Nigeria Airways workers as the Federal Government has approved the payment of ₦45 billion in outstanding pensions.
The long-overdue payout, which affects over 6,000 retirees, follows sustained pressure from aviation unions and interventions by the National Assembly. Nigeria Airways, the country’s former national carrier, was shut down in 2003 after years of mismanagement, corruption, and rising debts, leaving its workers stranded without severance or pensions.
According to a statement issued Tuesday by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that disbursements will begin soon.
"The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector. This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers,” the statement read in part.
The NOA also assured that the payment process will be transparent and fair, with mechanisms put in place to ensure all eligible beneficiaries are duly paid.
Nigeria Airways was fully owned by the Federal Government and operated from 1958 until it was grounded in 2003. The closure affected over 6,000 staff who have since battled to get their entitlements.
This latest development marks a significant victory for retired aviation workers and signals a renewed effort by the Federal Government to address legacy labour issues in the sector.
