The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, including former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways.

The move brings long-overdue relief to thousands who served in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Nigeria Airways, once the national carrier, operated from 1958 until it ceased operations in 2003 when Atiku Abubakar was heading the privatization team of Obasanjo’s administration.

At its height, the airline employed thousands across key roles including pilots, engineers, cabin crew, administrative and ground staff — forming the backbone of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Upon its closure, over 6,000 former workers were left without their full pensions and gratuities, prompting nearly two decades of demands for justice.

In 2018, aviation unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the 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 over the government’s failure to release N45 billion in entitlements owed to the retirees.

The unions condemned the delayed payments and warned the then Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, that they would not stand by while retirees continued to die without receiving their benefits.

That same year, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved N22 billion for partial payment. However, union records indicate that N36 billion remained unpaid, leaving many retirees in financial distress. Some passed away while waiting for their pensions.

In January 2025, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation threatened to block the Ministry of Aviation’s budget unless adequate provisions were made for the payment of outstanding entitlements to former Nigeria Airways workers.

The recent approval of pensions in July 2025 by the Federal Government is therefore seen as a long-overdue breakthrough. It follows sustained pressure from unions, lawmakers, and civil society.

The Ministry of Aviation has confirmed that disbursements will begin soon, with a pledge to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process.