The Federal Government has paid the total sum of N18 billion to former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
He said more former staff claims were being verified and that the government would ensure that the entitlements of the former staff were fully paid.
According to Oyedele, the payments were made possible by President Bola Tinubu, who gave the approval to settle the entitlements after more than twenty years.
“Today, I’m pleased to inform you that following the directive of Mr. President, President Bola Tinubu, has now paid 2,100 former Nigeria Airways workers in batches one to seven, while another 600 beneficiaries in batches eight and nine are being finalised for payment within the next few days.
“Altogether, this represents 18 billion naira in benefits for 2,700 former workers.
“Recognise that no payment today can fully compensate for more than two decades of waiting, but it is important that government confronts these long-standing obligations rather than allowing them to remain unresolved for another generation,” Oyedele added.
He said, “Our message to Nigerians is simple: government must be trusted not only for the promises it makes, but also for the obligations it honours.
“As we strengthen Nigeria’s public finances, improve revenues, and create greater fiscal space, we will continue to prioritise legitimate obligations that directly affect the welfare of Nigerians while maintaining transparency and fiscal discipline. For the former workers of Nigeria Airways to have waited so long, this is ultimately not favour from government.
“For more than two decades, following the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, many former employees have waited for the outstanding severance benefits.
“It’s about people, dignity, trust, and the responsibility of government to honor legitimate obligations to its citizens.”
The minister apologised to the ex-workers on behalf of the federal government for the delay in the payment of the entitlements, saying, “It is your entitlement. We apologise for the long delay and thank you for your patience.”
