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By Lawrence Agbo
Aviation expert Chris Aligbe has traced the long-running crisis over Nigerian Airways pensioners’ benefits across successive administrations, alleging varying levels of commitment and delays in implementation.
Aligbe, speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, said former President Goodluck Jonathan made little progress on the matter, while former President Muhammadu Buhari showed interest and approved steps toward payment of entitlements.
“When President Jonathan came, he did absolutely nothing until Buhari came. He was passionate about Nigerian Airways and approved payments.”
He also noted that earlier efforts under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua saw approval for terminal benefits, but implementation was reportedly hindered by administrative and financial bottlenecks from the finance minister, Kemi Adeosun.
“Yahadua approved payment of terminal benefits on Nigeria Airways, but was hindered by Kemi Adeosun, the then Financial Minister, who didn’t care one bit,” he said.
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According to him, although Buhari demonstrated concern and reduced public agitation over the issue, full resolution was not achieved before the end of his tenure.
Aligbe further stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also approved steps toward addressing the pensioners’ claims, but said progress has been slowed at the level of the Ministry of Finance, headed by Wale Edun.
“Buhari was passionate about it, hence no protest was made. Then Tinubu came in and approved it because he was passionate about it and Festus Keyamo did all he could to make sure it was pushed.”
“But presently, it is stuck at the Minister of Finance, headed by Wale Edun, and nothing has been done for over 8 months since the approval was passed.”
He alleged that despite presidential approvals, implementation has remained stalled for months, leaving pensioners in continued uncertainty.
The aviation expert called for urgent action to finally resolve the long-standing dispute and ensure payment of all outstanding benefits to affected former Nigerian Airways workers.
