The Federal Government has approved long-overdue pension payments for retired workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways.
This marks the end of a 22-year wait for thousands of aviation staff who served the nation but were left without benefits when the airline shut down in 2003.
Transparency Promised in Disbursement
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) made the announcement via its official X handle on Tuesday, July 22.
According to the post, the Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that disbursements will begin shortly. The ministry also pledged full transparency and fairness in handling the payments.
A Victory After Years of Union Struggles
Unions have spent nearly two decades lobbying the government to compensate affected retirees.
In 2018, unions such as NUATE, ATSSSAN, and NAAPE threatened to shut down airspace unless the Federal Government released ₦45 billion in outstanding entitlements.
Their pressure prompted the Buhari administration to approve ₦22 billion that same year for partial payments.
However, union data showed that ₦36 billion remained unpaid. Many of the retirees, unable to access their rightful pensions, died in hardship.
Lawmakers Stepped In Early 2025
In January 2025, the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Aviation warned that it would block the Ministry of Aviation’s budget unless the pensions were addressed.
This action reignited public attention and likely contributed to the latest breakthrough.
Nigeria Airways’ Collapse and Legacy
Nigeria Airways, fully owned by the Federal Government, operated from 1958 until its shutdown in 2003. Its downfall was due to years of mismanagement, corruption, and rising debt.
The closure affected over 6,000 staff, most of whom were denied pensions and gratuities.
Stakeholders Applaud the Move
Industry experts and retirees have welcomed the government’s decision. Many consider it a long-overdue move to restore dignity to workers who served the country loyally.
Stakeholders also see it as a chance to rebuild trust in the aviation sector’s administration.