The Nigerian federal government has begun distributing N18 billion in severance benefits to 2,700 former employees of the defunct national airline, Nigeria Airways. The payment marks the first step in settling long-standing financial obligations to workers who were laid off when the airline ceased operations.
Officials in Abuja confirmed the start of the disbursement process, which was delayed due to administrative and financial challenges. The severance package is part of a broader effort to address the legacy of the airline, which collapsed in 2020 amid mounting debts and operational difficulties.
The move has been welcomed by labor representatives, who had previously criticized the government for slow action on the issue. The payment is expected to be completed in phases over the coming months, with further details yet to be announced.
The government has not provided a timeline for the full distribution, but officials emphasized that the process is now underway.
