The Federal Government has disbursed ₦4.25 billion in outstanding pension and severance benefits to 600 additional beneficiaries of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, bringing the total number of beneficiaries paid to 3,300.
The latest disbursement, covering Batches 010 and 011, amounts to ₦4,251,043,000.19 in gross benefits, according to a statement by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
The ministry said the payment was part of ongoing efforts to settle outstanding entitlements owed to former workers of the defunct national carrier.
With the latest payment, the government has now paid 3,300 beneficiaries across 11 batches, following the settlement of claims involving 2,700 beneficiaries in the first nine batches.
The ministry noted that the disbursement would provide financial relief to former Nigeria Airways workers and other eligible beneficiaries who had waited for years for the settlement of their pension and severance entitlements.
It described the latest payment as a significant step towards resolving longstanding financial obligations associated with the defunct airline.
Meanwhile, the ministry disclosed that its verification and validation exercise for the next of kin of deceased former Nigeria Airways workers was ongoing.
According to the statement, the exercise is designed to establish eligibility, verify claims against approved records and facilitate the payment of outstanding benefits to qualified next of kin.
The ministry assured that verified claims would continue to be processed in accordance with established procedures to ensure that payments reach the rightful beneficiaries.
It added that the settlement of the legacy obligations reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing outstanding claims and providing relief to affected individuals and families.
The ministry further stated that the payment aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by advancing the resolution of longstanding government obligations and supporting affected beneficiaries.
The statement was signed by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of Media at the Federal Ministry of Finance.
