FG pays ₦4.25bn to 600 former Nigeria Airways workers
The Federal Government has disbursed ₦4.25bn in outstanding pension and severance benefits to another 600 beneficiaries of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, bringing the total number of beneficiaries paid to 3,300.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie, saying the latest disbursement covered the 10th and 11th batches of eligible beneficiaries.
“The Federal Government has paid N4.25bn in outstanding pension and severance benefits to an additional 600 beneficiaries of Nigeria Airways Limited, bringing the total number of beneficiaries paid across 11 batches to 3,300,” the ministry stated.
According to the statement, the first nine batches covered 2,700 former workers, while the latest payment extended the settlement to another 600 beneficiaries.
The ₦4.25bn disbursement represents an average gross payment of approximately ₦7.08m per beneficiary, although individual entitlements vary depending on approved claims.
The latest payment brings the total reported disbursement to approximately ₦22.25bn, including the earlier ₦18bn earmarked for 2,700 beneficiaries.
Nigeria Airways, which operated as the country’s national carrier for decades, was liquidated in 2003, leaving thousands of former employees with unresolved pension and severance entitlements.
Successive administrations have faced repeated demands from affected workers and their families for the settlement of outstanding benefits.
The ministry said the latest payment would provide financial relief to beneficiaries who had waited years to receive their entitlements.
“The payment provides financial relief to beneficiaries who have waited for the settlement of pension and severance entitlements linked to service with the former national airline,” the statement said.
It added that the government remained committed to resolving verified financial obligations inherited from the defunct airline.
The ministry also disclosed that verification and validation of claims submitted by the next of kin of deceased former employees were continuing.
According to the statement, the exercise is designed to establish eligibility, reconcile claims with official records and ensure that payments reach legitimate beneficiaries.
“The Ministry will continue to process verified claims in line with applicable procedures, ensuring that payments are made to eligible beneficiaries,” it stated.
However, the ministry did not provide a comprehensive breakdown of outstanding liabilities or disclose how many beneficiaries were still awaiting payment.
It maintained that the settlement process would continue until verified claims were addressed in accordance with applicable financial procedures.