Ex-staff of defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) has for the upteenth time, appealed to the Ministry of Finance to release the N36 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for payment of accrued benefits to the workers , saying the delay has caused untold hardships on them.
Engr. Sheri Kyari on behalf of the workers in a statement on Sunday, lamented the continued delay after the approval by the Presudency, adding that “the continued withholding of these funds is no longer merely an administrative issue; it has become a humanitarian matter of urgent national concern’.
Kyari noted that 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.
“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.”, he asked.
“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, 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.
“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. “, he said.
