Over 300 former employees of the defunct NICON Airways, under Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s ownership, are yet to receive over N850m in payment despite a court ruling. NICON Airways ex-staff unpaid dues
The airline, formerly EAS Airlines, was bought by Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim from former owner and Kogi Governor, Captain Idris Wada. It folded due to neglecting maintenance of its Boeing 737 fleet, leaving employees in limbo.Â
Senator Ibrahim, accused of neglecting legal obligations, appealed court rulings in favor of the ex-staff, prolonging their wait for justice.
 The former workers, represented by Mr. Henry Iwelunmo, assert lack of communication from the airline’s management, exacerbating their plight.
 Despite court orders dating back to 2013, the outstanding payments, including leave allowances and pension funds, remain unpaid.Â
According to documents obtained, the former staff went to the National Industrial Court in Ikoyi on November 30, 2011. They were then directed to the National Industrial Court, Abuja with the suit number: NCN/LA/192/2011.
On September 16, 2013, the aggrieved staff claimed that the court gave judgement in favour of the former workers. Although Ibrahim appealed the judgement at the same court, he lost on May 23, 2011 in suit number: NICN/ABJ/280/M/2014.
Not satisfied, Ibrahim approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja judicial division on two occasions and lost in February, 2011 with the most recent being May 15, 2013.
The document added: “Till date, the defendant has not deemed it fit enough to pay us our legitimate and hard earned money, overdue entitlements in the form of salaries, pegged by National Industrial Court from May 2007 to April 2011 and other allowances.
The document claims airline owed N16.4 million in pension funds. N8.1 million deducted cumulative contributions to the Nigeria Social and Insurance Trust Fund but not remitted. Another N808.7m remained unpaid salaries.
The ex-workers decry the situation as callousness, highlighting the financial and health challenges they face. NICON Airways ex-staff unpaid dues.
With their livelihoods jeopardised and families suffering, they urge Senator Ibrahim to fulfil his obligations promptly, bringing closure to their long-standing ordeal.
