N45bn benefits: Former airways workers ground activities at Lagos airport

THREE of the former workers of the defunct national carrier, the Nigeria Airways collapsed during the peaceful protest staged at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos over what they called the continuous refusal of the federal government to pay them their N45 billion final entitlements thirteen years after the liquidation of the former national carrier.

As early as 9.00am, the ex-workers had gathered at the Skycatering area of the airport before marching through the local airport a situation which led to total gridlock with many travellers missing their flights.

The three who collapsed between the Airforce Base and the General Aviation Terminal within the local airport, axis were revived by other protesters and airport users.

The workers who appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun to release their entitlements, accused the minister of sitting on their entitlements deliberately while she is busy paying other groups.

Some of the placards carried by the aggrieved workers include “President Buhari, save us from Kemi Adeosun,” “Mrs Adeosun do not spoil the good work President Buhari has started on our entitlements,” Mrs Adeosun where did you keep our Pension Money,” “Madam MOF did you misappropriate our money?

The workers while addressing the media threatened to proceed to Abuja and shut down the ministry of finance if, by today, Wednesday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) fails to address their issue.

The former workers through Mr Andrew Inalegwu of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) said they were demanding an explanation from the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun on why their entitlement approved since May last year has not been paid.

Among other leaders who addressed at the rally was the Chairman of Nigeria Airways’ branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Sam Ezene and Engineer Lukman Animashaun.

The workers accused the minister of finance of playing intrigues with their entitlements by telling them that the file for their entitlements was before the National Assembly which the lawmakers have denied.

According to the workers, if Adeosun was actually waiting for approval from the National Assembly, why has paid the Nigerian Army retirees and why has she started paying the federal contractors.

They accused the minister of displaying double standard towards the plight of the former Nigeria Airways workers many of whom have died.