Nigeria Airways ex-workers and pensioners continue to endure a painful and prolonged tragedy of broken promises, hardship, and silent suffering.

The defunct national carrier was once a true reflection of Nigeria, with staff drawn from across the 774 local government areas of the country.

For over two decades, the former employees and pensioners of the liquidated national carrier have lived in neglect, deprivation, and distress, despite their years of dedicated and patriotic service to the nation.

A former staff of the Airline and one time President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers(NAAPE) Engr.Ayuba Kyari,speaking on behalf of the personnel in a press release said since the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2004, thousands of former staff, many of whom are now senior citizens aged 65 years and above, have remained abandoned and without the full benefits due to them.

These men and women served Nigeria faithfully in their youth, with commitment and pride, yet they have been left in painful uncertainty at the twilight of their lives.

He said,hope was rekindled when His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, approved the payment of the long-awaited outstanding severance benefits in the sum of N36 billion in June 2025.

“This decision renewed expectations that justice had finally come and that the elderly ex-workers and pensioners of Nigeria Airways would at last be relieved from years of poverty, sickness, and despair. However, several months after that approval, the funds are yet to be released for payment.

Regrettably, he noted the Office of the Honourable Minister of Finance, under Prince Wale Edun, has not yet authorized the release of these approved funds. This prolonged bureaucratic delay has had devastating human consequences.

Across Nigeria, elderly former workers are dying in penury, unable to afford food, shelter, medication, and other basic necessities of life. Many are bedridden and battling chronic illnesses without access to adequate medical care. Others have passed away quietly, with their lawful entitlements still unpaid.

According to Kyari,these are not mere statistics. They are former pilots, engineers, cabin crew, technicians, accountants, administrators, and support staff who once upheld Nigeria’s image across Africa and the world.

“They gave their time, loyalty, labour, and expertise in service to the nation. It is both morally troubling and deeply unjust that those who contributed so much should now be left to suffer in old age without relief. “

“The critical question before the nation is this: Why should payments already approved by Mr. President still be subjected to bureaucratic delays that continue to cost lives? “

“The continued withholding of these funds is no longer merely an administrative issue; it has become a humanitarian matter of urgent national concern. Each day of delay worsens hunger, sickness, and avoidable deaths among these vulnerable senior citizens, who no longer have the strength or time to wait indefinitely.  “

We therefore make a most respectful and urgent appeal to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Prince Wale Edun, and all relevant authorities to act without any further delay by authorizing and releasing the approved N36 billion severance benefits. These benefits are not a favour. They are lawful entitlements and a moral obligation owed to citizens who served their country faithfully.

Justice delayed, especially for pensioners and elderly ex-workers in advanced age, is justice denied. Nigeria must not be remembered as a nation that neglects and abandons those who served her with dedication and honour.

“Before more lives are lost needlessly, we urge the Honourable Minister and all responsible authorities to allow compassion, responsibility, and justice to prevail.”

“We acknowledge and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the payment. We now humbly call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this approval is implemented without further delay.”