Nigeria Federal Government Pays N18bn in Severance to 2,700 Former Nigeria Airways Workers

The federal government paid N18 billion in severance benefits to 2,700 former employees of Nigeria Airways, ending a dispute that lasted more than 20 years. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele announced Friday that payments covered 2,100 workers from batches one through seven have already been received. Finalizations are ongoing for 600 additional beneficiaries in batches eight and nine, with completion expected within days. The settlement followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to clear inherited obligations including verified pension arrears and debts owed to indigenous contractors. Oyedele stated the government will not automatically adjust these payments for inflation despite significant erosion in currency value since the liabilities originated. He emphasized the payment was about dignity and honoring legitimate obligations. Some workers had died before receiving entitlements, forcing families to pursue claims. The amount is based on documented and verified records.