Ex-Workers Demand Action Over Unpaid ₦36bn Entitlements
Ex-Workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways have issued a desperate and emotional appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding immediate enforcement of his approval to clear their long-standing entitlements.
More than two decades after the airline’s collapse, the ex-workers say they are still owed about ₦36 billion from an agreed ₦78 billion settlement. Despite presidential approval granted in June 2025, they insist nothing has changed even after two budget cycles.
Meanwhile, they warn that delays have worsened their suffering, turning a financial obligation into a national emergency affecting thousands of aging aviation veterans and their families. In fact, they state their plight has deepened into a humanitarian crisis.
The group maintains that out of the ₦78 billion agreed settlement, a significant balance remains outstanding. However, despite repeated engagements and budget provisions, they claim implementation has stalled, raising concerns over accountability and governance within the system.
A statement signed by Engineer Kyari Sheri for the Ex-Workers described widespread hardship among members. He explained that many now battle severe health challenges without adequate care.
What has changed, however, is the growing list of the dead.
According to the group, no fewer than 600 former staff have died in the struggle to access their benefits, many unable to afford basic medical care.
“Our death toll has now reached about 600. We are helpless as obituary announcements of our colleagues flood our platforms daily,” the group said.
“Today, many of us live in extreme hardship. A significant number are battling hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and other conditions worsened by rising healthcare costs,” the statement read.
It added that the situation continues to deteriorate with devastating consequences.
“Sadly, avoidable deaths among our members are increasing, leaving families devastated and communities grieving.”
Ex-Workers Death Toll Raises Alarm Nationwide
The Ex-Workers say the most painful reality is the growing number of deaths linked to unpaid entitlements. According to the group, no fewer than 600 former staff have died while waiting for payment. In addition, many reportedly lacked access to basic medical treatment, further worsening their conditions.
“Our death toll has reached about 600. Obituary announcements now flood our platforms daily,” the group stated.
Most of the affected Ex-Workers are aged between 65 and 101 years. Therefore, many are vulnerable to age-related illnesses, which are compounded by financial hardship. The group insists that continued delay is no longer administrative but life-threatening.
Captain Prex Porbeni stressed that the demand is not charity but a right earned through years of service.
“We are not begging. These are earned entitlements. It is unfair for approvals to exist without action,” he said.
Similarly, former Chief Accountant R.O. Olagunju highlighted the implications of continued delay.
“The approval came in June 2025. Two budgets have passed without payment. That is defying the President,” he noted.
Implementation Delay Sparks Anger Among Ex-Workers
Frustration among the Ex-Workers has now shifted towards implementation agencies. They argue that bureaucratic bottlenecks, particularly at the level of the Accountant-General, are responsible for the delay. Meanwhile, calls for accountability have intensified as the crisis deepens.
Ocheme Abba did not mince words:“What we expect is simple: the Accountant-General, as the final implementing authority, should release the money. Instead, there is finger-pointing while people are suffering.”
He warned that continued inaction carries deadly consequences.
“It is extremely unfair. It is wicked. It is man’s inhumanity to man. Civil servants are sitting on the President’s approval while citizens die.”
In perhaps the most chilling remark, Abba captured the depth of despair among the workers:
“At this rate, we would rather go and be killed once than continue dying slowly in installments without hope.”
A statement borne from stark frustration.
Families of Ex-Airways Workers Bear the Burden
Beyond the affected individuals, families of Ex-Workers are also facing severe hardship. Helen Efue, a former staff member, described the long-term impact on dependants. She explained that many families have been unable to plan their future due to prolonged uncertainty.
“We were committed workers who made sacrifices. Today, thousands of Ex-Workers and their families cannot plan ahead,” she said.
She added that children and dependents continue to wait for relief tied to the unpaid funds. Therefore, the delay has created a ripple effect across households, worsening socio-economic conditions.
Chris Aligbe traced the root of the problem back to the airline’s shutdown in the early 2000s, when workers, whether retired or disengaged, were lumped together and denied their benefits.
“Everyone was locked together and denied what was due to them. In other countries, the law would have forced payment. Here, impunity prevails.” He was referencing the fact that Nigeria Airways Ex-Staff in London were paid in full without muss or fuss.
Ex-NAL Workers Demand Immediate Government Action
The Ex-Workers insist the issue is no longer about negotiation but execution. They have called on relevant government agencies to act without further delay. In addition, they stress that the matter touches on justice, dignity, and national responsibility.
“This is not merely a financial obligation. It is a matter of justice, compassion and national conscience,” the group said.
They are calling on the relevant government agencies to immediately implement the President’s directive and release the funds without further delay.
For them, time is no longer a luxury. It is the difference between dignity and death.
