Nigeria Pays N4.25 Billion to Former Nigeria Airways Workers

The Government of Nigeria disbursed 4.25 billion naira in outstanding pension and severance benefits to 600 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited on October 19, 2026. This payment, covering the 10th and 11th batches of verified beneficiaries, follows an 18 billion naira disbursement made in September 2026 to 2,700 workers. The latest action brings the total number of paid recipients to 3,300 across 11 batches, with total gross payments reaching approximately 22.25 billion naira.

Nigeria Airways ceased operations in 2003 and was liquidated in 2004, leaving thousands of employees without benefits for over two decades. The Federal Ministry of Finance reported that the most recent gross entitlements totaled 4.251 billion naira, resulting in a net payment of 4.038 billion naira after 212.55 million naira in deductions.

Government officials stated the payments align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to resolve legacy financial obligations. The Federal Ministry of Finance is currently conducting a verification and validation exercise for the next of kin of deceased employees to ensure future settlements reach eligible beneficiaries through a transparent process.