Ex-Airways workers, pensioners appeal to Tinubu over unpaid N36bn severance

He said over the past 22 years, affected workers and pensioners have endured severe hardship, with many unable to afford basic needs and medical care.

According to him, repeated interventions by aviation unions, lawmakers and relevant ministries have not yielded the desired outcome.

Porbeni warned that the prolonged delay has worsened the plight of elderly former employees, many of whom now suffer from age-related illnesses including hypertension, diabetes and arthritis, compounded by rising healthcare costs.

He added that avoidable deaths among members continue to be recorded, leaving families and communities in distress. He further noted that many of the former workers are now between 65 and 101 years old.

“In June 2025, hope was rekindled when President Tinubu approved the payment. However, nearly one year after, the implementation has not been carried out,” he said.

Porbeni stressed that the issue goes beyond financial obligation, describing it as a matter of justice and national responsibility. He urged relevant government agencies to expedite the release of the approved funds.

He recalled that following the liquidation of the airline in 2004, negotiations between labour unions and the Federal Government led to an agreement for a one-off severance package equivalent to 15 years’ salary, amounting to N78 billion.

While partial payments were made over the years, he said the outstanding balance remains about N36 billion, which is yet to be settled.