The leadership of the union representing former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways gathered in Abuja on Wednesday to present a Merit Award to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN).
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, recognized the minister’s relentless advocacy that has finally set in motion the payment of retirement benefits owed to the ex‑workers after more than two decades of uncertainty.
Captain Shuaibu Alfa, President of the union, led the delegation and expressed deep gratitude to Minister Keyamo and, by extension, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We came to thank the minister for his support and assistance,” Captain Alfa said. He noted that the minister’s proactive intervention had been pivotal in advancing a resolution that had lingered since the airline’s liquidation on 30 September 2004.
According to Captain Alfa, decisive progress began earlier this year when the Ministry of Finance granted approvals in June 2025. A tripartite meeting in August involving the Ministries of Finance and Aviation and union representatives produced a clear payment schedule, with distributions slated to start in the final quarter of 2025.
He highlighted the current circumstances of the retirees, most of whom are over sixty, and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and continued advocacy for its aging members.
In his response, Minister Keyamo thanked the union for the honour and assured that President Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to honouring the agreed schedule.
He acknowledged the long wait endured by the pensioners and gave his personal reassurance that the relevant ministries are working diligently to ensure payments commence without further delay.
“The fact that this administration could make progress on a matter unresolved for over twenty years within a single year demonstrates a government that prioritises the welfare of its people,” the minister said, adding that the outcome reflects a listening President determined to fulfil his promises.
The press release was issued by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
