The Federal Government of Nigeria has cleared a N4.25 billion debt to 600 former staff of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited. According to Punch, this latest disbursement covers the 10th and 11th groups of recipients, bringing the cumulative total of individuals compensated to 3,300. The Federal Ministry of Finance announced the move on Tuesday via a statement from its Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie.
The ministry noted that the initial nine tranches had already covered 2,700 people, while the current release extends the settlement to another 600 eligible individuals. Punch reported that an analysis of the disbursement indicated an average gross benefit of approximately N7.09 million per recipient, though individual amounts vary based on specific entitlements. The total reported gross payments now stand at approximately N22.25 billion, combining the earlier N18 billion allocated to the first 2,700 workers with the new N4.25 billion tranche.
Nigeria Airways operated as the state’s primary airline for decades until its 2003 liquidation, leaving behind unresolved financial liabilities to its former workforce. Punch noted that successive administrations have faced demands from these workers and their relatives for compensation tied to their tenure. The ministry described the latest payment as providing financial relief to those who had awaited the resolution of their pension and severance claims linked to service with the former airline.
The ministry also revealed that the verification of claims from the next of kin of deceased former employees is ongoing. According to the statement, this process aims to confirm eligibility and match submissions against approved records before further funds are released. The ministry maintained that the settlement process aims to resolve verified legacy claims and ensure that outstanding benefits reach eligible former workers and their families. The statement added that the disbursement represents further progress in addressing longstanding financial obligations to eligible beneficiaries.