Ex-Nigeria Airways workers’ N36 billion presidential approval for payment missing

A four-man delegation comprising ex-workers of liquidated Nigeria Airways, made up of Alhaji Ore Salako, Engr. Ayuba Kyari, Capt. Prex Porbeni and Chris Aligbe conducted a fact-finding mission to the Ministries of Finance and Aviation, and more than a year after President Bola Tinubu’s approval, N36 billion was allocated for the settlement of workers’ severance benefits.

Following the approval of the final ₦36 billion tranche of the Nigeria Airways ex-workers’ entitlements in June 2025, ex-workers expected payment. However, more than a year later, no payment had been made and no clear explanation provided, leading to growing anxiety and hardship among members.

The aim of the team’s visit on June 16, 2026, was to establish the status of the payment process, identify obstacles, and determine the steps needed to facilitate the release of the approved funds.

The mission was undertaken in the interest of all ex-workers and pensioners to obtain reliable information directly from officials involved in the payment process. The delegation met with Mr John Waitono, a key officer in the Ministry of Finance, directly in charge of Nigeria Airways affairs.

One of the team members told New Telegraph that he explained that when the newly appointed Minister of Finance initiated the payment process for the approved ₦36 billion entitlement as soon as he assumed office, a review of the relevant files revealed that the Presidential Approval authorising the payment could not be located.

He explained that this was the first indication that the missing Presidential Approval document was the main obstacle preventing payment.

Nwachukwu Okafor, also an ex-staff member, had earlier met with the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), who advised the delegation to engage the Permanent Secretary’s Technical Adviser.

On June 17^th, 2026, the delegation met with the Technical Adviser, Mr Akor Abbah. Abbah stated that the Ministry’s current priorities include local contractors, Nigeria Airways Ltd., and PENCOM.

He also confirmed that the principal obstacle delaying payment of the approved ₦36 billion entitlement is the missing Presidential Approval document, stressing that the payment process remains active but cannot be completed without it.

During the meeting, Abbah contacted the Director of Cash Office in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, who confirmed that the missing approval remains the critical requirement for payment.

The Director also stated that efforts are underway to secure the required funds while the approval issue is being resolved.  He subsequently contacted the Director of PICA on speakerphone, who likewise confirmed that the missing Presidential Approval is the major challenge.

Because the amount exceeds the Minister of Finance’s approval threshold, a fresh submission to the President may be required if the original approval cannot be found.

He advised that efforts should be intensified to locate copies of the approval within the Ministry of Aviation or other relevant government offices, which could also be used.

He also assured the delegation of his willingness to assist in resolving the matter.

“The good news is that we are now well informed about the delay in the payment of our final entitlement, and the strategy to remove the obstacles is at our disposal. The mission established that the delay is not due specifically to lack of funds, as the primary obstacle is the inability of relevant authorities to locate the Presidential Approval document required to complete the payment process.”

The delegation expressed gratitude to all ex-colleagues and supporters whose contributions made the media awareness campaign and Abuja fact-finding mission possible.

The delegation said it would intensify efforts to locate the missing Presidential Approval document and follow up with the Ministry of Aviation and other relevant agencies to determine whether copies of the approval that could be used exist.

Wole Shadare