AVIATION

‘Failure of FG to pay outstanding N38bn benefits of NAL workers unfortunate’

THE liquidation of the former Nigeria national carrier, Nigeria Airways Limited (NAL) has continued to resonate two decades after, following the failure of the subsequent governments to pay the outstanding N37 billion benefits of the former defunct airline.

The outstanding N37 billion is part of the N78 billion that was approved as the terminal benefits of the former workers.

While the workers of the defunct carrier in other parts of the world were almost immediately after the liquidation paid their full entitlements, their counterparts in Nigeria and the West Coast are still struggling to get paid.

Former Managing Director of the defunct national airline, Captain Jonathan Ibrahim, at the unveiling of Wings Support Family Foundation (WSFF) and public presentation of the book, “Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, All You Need to Know”, described the neglect of the former workers by government as unfortunate.

Ibrahim, who appealed to  President Bola Tinubu to pay former workers of the defunct national carrier the balance of their severance benefits, lamented how frantic efforts he made on the outstanding balance was frustrated.

“I was the MD, I was asked to liquidate it and I refused, they fired me, somebody came and liquidated the airline and sold the airline. We were not involved in it, it was the then President Olusegun Obasanjo. We were not involved in the liquidation, they should pay us but they refused to pay us all our dues, now they want us to die.

“ I am appealing to the Tinubu administration if they have conscience and fear of God to pay us. Our facilities can start two new airlines but they sold them to themselves, I have the list”.

In his remarks at the book launch, the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, commended the  book that x-rayed the history of Nigeria Airways and aviation development.

At the unveiling of the book written by Mr Francis Adegoke, the minister who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), MrsObiageliOrah, cited how the book revealed the selfless contributions of pioneer aviators, specifically staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways, to the growth of the economy.

Read Also: Bauchi govt approves N70,000 minimum wage for workers

“They have truly been a blessing to the aviation sector of the nation’s economy.

From the title of the book, you will agree with me that it will be a reference material and very valuable working instrument for all of us in the industry.

“One of the most important crops of people in this dynamic industry is the ever-vibrant retired professionals from whose wealth of knowledge we draw important guides. We are currently standing on a very solid foundation you all built as we advance and switch the frontiers of the aviation business in Nigeria to greater heights”.

The author of the book, Mr Francis Adegoke, popularly referred to as 001, said that the 283-page book had contributions from astute aviators. The book revealed a lot of what the airline stood for.

The Chairman of the event, Chief Anslem Mohammed, said that the system was unfair to the staff of Nigeria Airways, saying: “Government should start listening to the plight of the retired workers of the airline and pay up what is due to them. The book is likely to reveal a lot.”

The WSFF aims to provide healthcare services to the vulnerable and needy in the aviation industry as well financial assistance to needy widows and widowers in the industry.

Shola Adekola

Recent Posts

UPDATED: VeryDarkMan is in EFCC custody — Deji Adeyanju

Adeyanju, who is a VDM lawyer, in an update shared on Friday via X, revealed…

7 minutes ago

Ondo community regent vows to pursue development

The newly installed Regent of Ijigba Kingdom in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo…

14 minutes ago

Malaria: FG endorses N1bn geneith health competition

“While countries like Belgium, Britain, and the United States eliminated malaria decades ago, Nigeria continues…

19 minutes ago

Natasha denies plotting with activist to accuse Akpabio of organ harvesting

In the one-hour, eight-minute broadcast, the activist alleged that Natasha offered her N200 million to…

1 hour ago

Sanwo-Olu commissions new housing scheme for Lagos judiciary

"While we understand and appreciate the full separation of powers, there is always a common…

1 hour ago

US: Trump to host military parade for Army’s 250th birthday, June 14

The parade will echo Trump’s 2019 "Salute to America" event, which included military flyovers, tanks…

1 hour ago

Welcome

Install

This website uses cookies.