NIGERIA NEWS

FG Approves Long-Awaited Pensions for Nigeria Airways Retirees, Vows Transparency in Payment

Thousands of retired aviation workers finally get pension approval after years of waiting and advocacy.

The Federal Government’s decision brings renewed hope to ex-Nigeria Airways staff and their families.

The Federal Government has finally approved the payment of long-awaited pensions to retired aviation workers, including former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways, offering long-overdue relief to thousands who dedicated years of service to the nation’s aviation sector.

Minister of aviation

The announcement, made public on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, via a statement by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), marks a significant policy breakthrough following years of persistent lobbying and union-led advocacy for retired staff, especially those from national carriers shut down decades ago.

According to the statement, the Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that pension payments will commence shortly, with assurances that the process will be handled with complete transparency and accountability.

“The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector,” the NOA stated. “This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers.”

Industry stakeholders and pensioners’ groups have hailed the move as a landmark step toward restoring confidence in the government’s handling of aviation welfare issues. Many retirees who had long given up hope are now seeing a measure of justice served.

Nigeria Airways, once the pride of Africa’s skies, was founded in 1958 and served as Nigeria’s national carrier until its collapse in 2003, attributed to mismanagement, corruption, and spiralling debts. The airline was wholly owned by the federal government and employed thousands over its decades of operation.

Despite numerous promises from successive administrations, efforts to resolve outstanding pension entitlements for Nigeria Airways workers had repeatedly stalled until now.

This latest development is seen not only as a victory for retirees but also as a broader signal that the Tinubu-led administration is taking steps to address legacy issues in critical sectors.

The Aviation Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the distribution of funds will follow proper due process, with systems in place to ensure that verified beneficiaries receive their entitlements without unnecessary delays or administrative bottlenecks.

Union leaders have welcomed the announcement but also called for close monitoring to ensure the prompt and fair execution of the payments. They urged the government to set a precedent for similar cases in other sectors where retired workers await their dues.

The approval is expected to bring renewed hope to pensioners and their families, many of whom have faced years of hardship, and could set the tone for further reforms in Nigeria’s aviation and labour policy frameworks.

Osemekemen

Ilumah Osemekemen is Editor at Newskobo.com. A Business Administration graduate, he produces researched content on business, tech, sports and education, delivering practical… More »

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