By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Nigerian Airways Crisis: Lawmakers Threaten to Block Aviation Budget Over Unpaid Workers’ Entitlements
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Nigerian Airways Crisis: Lawmakers Threaten to Block Aviation Budget Over Unpaid Workers’ Entitlements

Genesis Obong
By Genesis Obong
Published: January 23, 2025
Share
3 Min Read
Nigeria Airways
SHARE

The plight of former Nigerian Airways employees took center stage during the recent budget defense session, with lawmakers threatening to block the Aviation Ministry’s allocation until the government fulfills its promise to pay outstanding entitlements amounting to N36 billion. This dramatic standoff underscores the long-standing human cost of the airline’s 2003 collapse and the government’s apparent failure to address the plight of these dedicated public servants.

Established in 1958, Nigerian Airways once soared as the nation’s flagship carrier, connecting Nigeria to the world. However, years of mismanagement and mounting debt led to its tragic demise. While the airline ceased operations nearly two decades ago, the human cost continues to linger. Hundreds of employees, many now elderly and facing severe financial hardship, are still awaiting the payment of their hard-earned entitlements.

“Some have died, many are sick and dying. Yet, the government is refusing to pay them,” lamented Senator Jiya Ndalikali, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He passionately argued that these individuals, who dedicated their lives to serving the nation’s aviation sector, deserve justice and recognition.

The lawmakers’ frustration is palpable. Despite a 2018 presidential approval for a partial payment of N22 billion, a significant balance remains unpaid. This delay has had devastating consequences, with many former employees facing dire financial straits, struggling with illnesses, and tragically, some even succumbing to their ailments without receiving their rightful compensation.

- Advertisement -

Read Also:

Dana Air Disengages Employees Amid Ongoing Audit

2025 Budget: Senate Rejects Information Ministry’s Budget, Demands Increased Funding

While Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Kenyamo, acknowledged the outstanding liability and confirmed efforts to secure the payment through the Ministry of Finance, his assurances failed to appease the lawmakers. Senator Sahabi Ya’u poignantly questioned the finance minister’s inaction, emphasizing the urgent need for these individuals to receive their long-overdue entitlements. “Some of these people are yearning for what to eat. Some are no more,” he lamented, highlighting the human suffering caused by this protracted delay.

- Advertisement -

This impasse has now escalated into a critical juncture. The National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation has issued a stern ultimatum: the Aviation Ministry’s budget will not be approved until concrete steps are taken to address the outstanding payments to the former Nigerian Airways employees.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the government’s responsibility to its citizens, particularly those who have served the nation faithfully. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being of public servants and ensuring that their contributions are duly recognized and rewarded. The resolution of this crisis will not only provide much-needed relief to the suffering former employees but also serve as a crucial step towards restoring public trust and confidence in the government’s commitment to its citizens.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:Aviation BudgetFestus KenyamoNigerian AirwaysUnpaid SalariesWorkers' Entitlements
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByGenesis Obong
Follow:
Genesis Obong is a Journalist with relevant experience in Business, Finance and Economic matters in Nigeria and across the West African space.
Previous Article Nigeria 4G Coverage Nigeria’s 4G Surge: A Digital Divide Remains
Next Article Nigeria humanitarian crisis Nigeria Faces Mounting Humanitarian Crisis as UN Appeals for $910 Million

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,605.00
Sell Rate ₦1,620.00

Last updated: 4 days ago (June 3, 2025 2:33 pm)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

Tinubu Urged by PDP to Cut Fuel and Electricity Costs Amid Eid-el-Kabir Festivities
News
Mike Ejeagha
Mike Ejeagha, Nigerian Highlife Maestro, Dies at 95
News
Tinubu Welcomes Gov Eno to APC as Political Realignments Intensify Across States
Politics Top stories
Super Eagles Rally to Draw Against Russia in International Friendly
Sport
Manchester United Raises Annual Core Profit Forecast to Between £180m and £190m After Europa League Boost
Sport
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

Ange Postecoglou
Sport

Tottenham Hotspur Part Ways with Ange Postecoglou Despite Europa League Glory

Yusuf Abubakar
Yusuf Abubakar
June 6, 2025
News

Dangote Names Main Refinery Access Road “Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road” in Honor of President

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 6, 2025
L-R: Ify Okoye, Digital Creator; Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Actress; Stella Erebor, Head Internal Audit, Nigerian Communications Commission; Emanuella Samuel, Comedienne/Actress, Sylvia Musalagani, Safety Policy Manager, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET), Meta, and Nicole Chikwe, founder of The Mummy Summit, during the launch of Instagram teen accounts in Lagos on Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Tech

Meta Launches Teen Accounts on Instagram in Nigeria to Enhance Online Safety for Young Users

Farouk Mohammed
Farouk Mohammed
June 6, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?