President’s Approval Document Authorizing Payment Of ₦36 Billion Ex-Nigeria Airways Workers Is Missing

Concerned Elders among ex-workers of Nigeria Airways Limited have quoted Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance official as saying that payment of the final ₦36 Billion tranche of the Nigeria Airways ex-workers’ entitlements in June 2025 is being delayed because

the document containing President Bola Tinubu approval of the payment cannot be found.

A report of the fact-finding visit to Abuja by ex-staff concerned elders says “following the approval of the final ₦36 Billion tranche of the Nigeria Airways ex-workers’ entitlements in June 2025, ex-workers expected payment. However, more than a year later, no payment had been made and no clear explanation provided, leading to growing anxiety and hardship among members.

To determine the cause of the delay and obtain accurate information from relevant authorities, some Concerned Elders undertook a fact-finding mission to Abuja. The aim was to establish the status of the payment process, identify obstacles, and determine the steps needed to facilitate the release of the approved funds.

A four-man delegation comprising Alhaji Ore Salako, Engr. Ayuba Kyari, Capt. Prex Porbeni and Mr. Chris Aligbe travelled to Abuja on a fact finding mission on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The mission was undertaken in the interest of all ex-workers and pensioners to obtain reliable information directly from officials involved in the payment process.

The delegation visited the Federal Ministry of Aviation & Aerospace Development o meet the Minister but the Minister was out of town and the Permanent Secretary was on official assignment. The delegation was received by the Director of Aerodrome Development Department, acting on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.

While unable to provide detailed information on the payment process, he assured the delegation that both the Permanent Secretary and the Minister would be briefed on the visit and concerns raised.

The delegation visited and met with Mr. John Waitono, one of the key officers in Ministry of Finance directly in charge of WT affairs. He explained that when the newly appointed Minister of Finance initiated the payment process for the approved ₦36 Billion entitlement as soon as he assumed office; a review of the relevant files revealed that the Presidential Approval authorizing the payment could not be located. This was the first indication that the missing Presidential Approval document was the main obstacle preventing payment.

Barr. Nwachukwu Okafor (also an ex-staff) had earlier met with the Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), who advised the delegation to engage the Technical Adviser to the Permanent Secretary.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the delegation met with the Technical Adviser, Mr.  Akor Abbah, who stated that the Ministry’s current priorities include Local Contractors, Nigeria Airways Limited and PENCOM

He also confirmed that the principal obstacle delaying payment of the approved ₦36 Billion entitlement is the missing Presidential Approval document and that the payment process remains active, but cannot be completed without the approval.

During the meeting, Mr. Abbah contacted the Director of Cash Office in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, who confirmed that the missing approval remains the critical requirement for payment.

The Director also stated that efforts are being made to source the required funds while the approval issue is being resolved. He subsequently contacted the Director of PICA on speakerphone, who likewise confirmed that the missing Presidential Approval is the major challenge.

Because the amount exceeds the approval threshold of the Honourable Minister of Finance, a fresh submission to Mr. President may be required if the original approval cannot be found.

He advised that efforts should be intensified to locate copies of the approval within the Ministry of Aviation or other relevant government offices which could be used as well. • He also assured the delegation of his willingness to assist in resolving the matter.”

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the elders delivered formal letters to The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Econom and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The letters requested their intervention in resolving the delay and facilitating payment of the approved entitlement.

“The good news is that we are now well informed about the delay in the payment of our final entitlement and the strategy to remove the obstacles is at our disposal. The mission established that the delay is not due specifically to lack of funds as the primary obstacle is the inability of relevant authorities to locate the Presidential Approval document required to complete the payment process. This information was independently confirmed by officials of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and PICA. The mission achieved its objective by identifying the cause of the delay and clarifying the steps needed to move the process forward,” stated the elders.

The ex-say their next steps would be to intensify efforts to locate the missing Presidential Approval document, follow up with the Ministry of Aviation and other relevant agencies to determine whether copies of the approval that could be used exist. They say a member of the team will return to Abuja next week to liaise with Barr. Okafor and seek further engagement with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development while they continue engagement with the Ministry of Finance, PICA, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and pursue follow-up action on the letters submitted to both Honourable Ministers.

They also intend to maintain regular communication with ex-workers and keep stakeholders informed of developments.

This mission was undertaken out of concern for the welfare of members and pensioners who have endured years of hardship while awaiting payment of their lawful entitlements.

The delegation sought to establish the facts and has reported its findings accordingly. While challenges remain, the mission has provided clarity on the obstacle delaying payment and the steps required to resolve it.

“The Elders remain committed to pursuing all lawful avenues until this long-standing matter is successfully concluded for the benefit of all affected ex-workers and pensioners,” states the report.