Relief has finally arrived for a generation of forgotten workers, former staff of Nigeria Airways have begun receiving long-owed severance payments.
The wait lasted more than two decades, many had given up hope of ever seeing this day come.
This Nigeria Airways severance payment marks the end of years of protest and pain, it follows repeated appeals from workers who never gave up fighting.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the release of funds for the final payment, the news was confirmed by ATSSSAN President Comrade John Ogbe.
Ogbe called it a major turning point for former Nigeria Airways employees, he praised the president for finally resolving the long-standing issue.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank the President of the country, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for resolving a long labour issue that has been affecting the workers of Nigeria,” Ogbe said.
He confirmed that payments are already reaching beneficiaries.
“I want to thank the government that has come to fruition. As we speak, the payment has started coming in. I want to thank the Minister too, who plays a very big role in actualising this payment process,” he said.
Nigeria Airways once carried the country’s flag across international skies but the airline collapsed in 2003, leaving thousands of workers without their full entitlements.
Pilots, engineers, and cabin crew were among those affected, many spent years chasing a settlement that never seemed to arrive.
This Nigeria Airways severance payment covers the final N36 billion tranche approved in 2025. An earlier payment had been made back in 2018.
Ogbe explained that payments are going out in batches.
“Yes, they have commenced payments,” he said, adding that disbursement should wrap up soon.
He shared encouraging updates from people close to him. “People directly working under me in my NACA started receiving payments, and I know it’s already going around everywhere,” he said.
Sadly, some workers passed away while still waiting for their dues, for their families, this payment closes a painful chapter that lasted over 20 years.
