The Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that payments will be processed soon, with a firm commitment to transparency and accountability
Federal Government Approves Long-Awaited Pensions for Nigeria Airways Retirees
After decades of delay and sustained agitation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially approved the payment of pensions to retired aviation workers, including former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways.
The long-awaited announcement was made public in a statement shared by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
“The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector. This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers,” the statement read.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that payments will be processed soon, with a firm commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the disbursement process.
This move brings relief to over 6,000 former aviation workers, many of whom have been left without full pensions and gratuities since Nigeria Airways ceased operations in 2003.
Nigeria Airways, once Nigeria’s national carrier, operated from 1958 until 2003 before it was grounded due to corruption, poor management, and unsustainable debts. At its peak, it employed thousands of pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff, forming the backbone of the nation’s aviation sector.
Since the airline’s closure, unions have consistently demanded justice for retired staff.
In 2018, aviation unions including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) threatened to shut down Nigerian airspace unless government released N45 billion in entitlements.
Although former President Muhammadu Buhari approved N22 billion in the same year for partial settlement, union records indicated N36 billion remained unpaid, leaving many retirees in hardship. Some reportedly died waiting for compensation.
In January 2025, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation escalated the matter by threatening to block the Ministry’s budget unless outstanding entitlements were fully addressed.
That pressure, combined with persistent union advocacy and civil society support, has now culminated in this July 2025 breakthrough.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Aviation has pledged that disbursement will begin soon adding that transparency will guide the payment process while stakeholders will be kept informed throughout. Read More
