The leadership of the union representing former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways has honoured the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in recognition of his sustained advocacy and decisive interventions that have brought long-awaited relief to thousands of retired aviation workers.
The union, during a courtesy visit to the Minister in Abuja on Wednesday, formally presented him with a Merit Award, praising his role in accelerating the finalisation of retirement and pension benefits that had remained unresolved for more than two decades.
The ceremony, marked by expressions of gratitude and renewed optimism, underscored the significance of recent developments that have raised hopes among former Nigeria Airways staff, many of whom have endured years of financial hardship and uncertainty following the liquidation of the national carrier.
Speaking during the engagement, President of the union, Captain Shuaibu Alfa, who led the delegation, conveyed the deep appreciation of the retirees for the Minister’s commitment to their cause, describing his intervention as both timely and transformative.
“We took this opportunity to express our most sincere gratitude to the Minister for the support and assistance he has already extended to us. We came to thank him, and by extension, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Captain Alfa said.
He noted that the Minister’s proactive involvement had helped unlock a process that had stagnated since Nigeria Airways was liquidated on 30 September 2004. According to him, tangible progress was recorded in 2025 following approvals from the Ministry of Finance in June.
Captain Alfa explained that a tripartite meeting held in August 2025 between the Ministries of Finance and Aviation, alongside the union leadership, produced a clear and workable payment framework.
“After approvals were conveyed from the Ministry of Finance in June 2025, a tripartite meeting in August between the Ministries of Finance, Aviation, and the union leadership yielded a clear payment schedule, with distributions slated to commence in the last quarter of 2025,” he disclosed.
He further highlighted the precarious circumstances of the retirees, noting that most of the beneficiaries are above the age of 60 and increasingly vulnerable, thereby making the timely release of their entitlements both urgent and humane.
While commending the current administration for its empathy and responsiveness, Captain Alfa reaffirmed the union’s commitment to constructive engagement and peaceful dialogue, stressing that patience among members had been sustained by visible signs of government goodwill.
“Our dialogue remains rooted in hope and trust in the government’s continued commitment to resolving this important matter,” he stated, adding that the restraint shown by union members reflected their confidence in the sincerity of the present administration.
In his response, Minister Keyamo expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and assured the delegation that the Federal Government, under President Tinubu, remains resolutely committed to implementing the agreed payment schedule.
He acknowledged the prolonged suffering of the former workers and gave personal assurance that all relevant ministries are working collaboratively to ensure that the payments commence without further delay.
Reflecting on the progress made, the Minister described the breakthrough as a testament to the administration’s people-centred approach to governance.
“If this administration could make progress on a matter unresolved for over twenty years within a year, it clearly demonstrates a government that prioritises the welfare of its people. This is especially true for citizens who dedicated their youth to national service,” he said.
According to him, the resolution of the long-standing Nigeria Airways pension issue mirrors the character of a listening government led by a President determined to fulfil his promises to Nigerians.
The visit concluded on a note of mutual respect and renewed confidence, with union leaders expressing optimism that the final chapter in the protracted struggle for their retirement benefits is now firmly in sight.
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