FG pays N18bn to defunct Nigeria Airways staff

The Federal Government has paid N18 billion to former staff of the defunct Nigeria Airways as part of efforts to settle outstanding entitlements owed to the workers.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

He said the government was still verifying additional claims from former staff of the defunct national carrier, assuring that their outstanding entitlements would be fully paid.

Oyedele said the payments were made possible following approval by President Bola Tinubu to settle the entitlements, which had remained unpaid for more than 20 years.

The minister said the decision was part of the administration’s efforts to address long-standing obligations owed by the government and ensure that legitimate claims were settled.

He added that the government would continue the verification process for other claims to ensure that eligible former workers receive their outstanding entitlements.

12,000 local contractors receive payments

Oyedele also disclosed that the Federal Government had paid about 12,000 local contractors as part of measures to strengthen confidence in its contractual agreements.

According to him, the payments were intended to give greater credibility to government contracts by ensuring that the government meets its financial obligations to contractors.

He said the move demonstrated the administration’s commitment to honouring its obligations and improving confidence among businesses and contractors working with the government.

The minister noted that settling outstanding liabilities would help strengthen the relationship between the government and local contractors while supporting economic activity.