ABUJA, July 24, 2025 – The Federal Government has finally approved the payment of pensions to retired workers of defunct Nigerian aviation agencies, ending a prolonged 22-year struggle marked by advocacy, hardship, and repeated appeals.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the breakthrough on Wednesday in Abuja, confirming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the long-awaited entitlements for the affected retirees. The move comes after sustained lobbying by former employees of defunct airlines and agencies such as Nigeria Airways, who have been left out of the pension scheme since their disengagement.
According to the minister, the approval will lead to the release of pension arrears under the Defined Benefits Scheme managed by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). The payments are expected to begin shortly, following the completion of biometric verifications and administrative processes.
Keyamo described the gesture as “a demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to justice, equity, and the welfare of all Nigerians, particularly those who served the nation diligently.” He added that the decision reaffirms the administration’s pledge to address lingering labor issues and restore dignity to public service.
The news was met with celebration among retired aviation workers, many of whom had long lost hope of receiving their benefits. Several stakeholders, including labor unions and aviation veterans, commended the administration for finally resolving a two-decade-old injustice.
The move is expected to restore faith in government processes and ease the economic burden faced by thousands of retirees who have endured years of neglect.
