Former workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways have once again decried the delay in the release of approved severance benefits estimated at N36bn approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year.

Tinubu had approved the final entitlement in June 2025, raising hopes of a final end to the severance benefit of the former workers which have suffered delay in payment since 2004 when the airline was liquidated.

Daily Trust reports that former President Muhammadu Buhari had paid part of the entitlement after a series of protests and demonstrations by the workers. Some of them had passed away while waiting for the entitlement.

In 2024, in an open letter to the President, the former workers urged Tinubu to “beam a bright searchlight on the current plights of the still surviving ex-workers and pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airways” and kindly pay them their total legally allowed labour rights, entitlements without further delays.

In response to their cry, the President approved the payment of the outstanding severance benefits in June 2025.

However, nine months later, there has been an endless wait by the former workers who continue to lament the delay in the payment of the approved final benefits.

In a statement yesterday, the workers through one of their leaders, Engr. Sheri Kyari noted that the Ministry of Finance had not authorized the release of the 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,” Kyari said.

They queried why the payments approved by Mr. President would be subjected to “bureaucratic delays that continue to cost lives.”

“The continued withholding of these funds is no longer merely an administrative issue; it has become a humanitarian matter of urgent national concern. 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.

“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,” they added. (Daily Trust)