22 Years After, FG Approves Pensions For Retired Defunct Nigeria Airways Workers

22 Years After, FG Approves Pensions For Retired Defunct Nigeria Airways Workers

After nearly 22 years, the Federal Government has granted approval for the pension entitlements of retired aviation workers.

In a post shared by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) on its official X account Tuesday, the Agency revealed that the Ministry of Aviation is set to commence disbursements soon, with a commitment to uphold transparency and fairness throughout.

This milestone follows relentless efforts by labor unions advocating for justice on behalf of retirees—particularly those formerly employed by defunct national airlines—bringing long-overdue relief to thousands across the sector.

“The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the payments will be processed soon, with a commitment to transparency,” the statement read in part.

The payment approval also factored in former staff of the airline.

Nigeria Airways operated from 1958 until it ceased operations in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and mounting debts. It was fully owned by the Federal Government.

Upon its closure, over 6,000 former workers were left without their full pensions and gratuities, prompting nearly two decades of demands for justice.

The decision follows years of sustained advocacy by unions demanding justice for retired workers, particularly those from defunct national carriers.

The statement added that stakeholders have welcomed the development. Many see it as a long-overdue step toward restoring dignity and trust in the aviation industry.

In 2018, aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) threatened to shut down Nigerian airspace over the government’s failure to release N45 billion in entitlements owed to the retirees.

The unions condemned the delayed payments and warned the then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, that they would not stand by while retirees continued to die without receiving their benefits.

That same year, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved ₦22 billion for partial payment. However, union records indicate that N36 billion remained unpaid, leaving many retirees in financial distress. Some passed away while waiting for their pensions.

In January 2025, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation threatened to block the Ministry of Aviation’s budget unless adequate provisions were made for the payment of outstanding entitlements to former Nigeria Airways workers.

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