Missing presidential approval document delays N36bn entitlement payment for former Nigeria Airways workers

By Nnasom David

A delegation of four elders representing former Nigeria Airways workers has said that the delay in paying the approved N36 billion final tranche of their entitlements is due to authorities being unable to find the necessary presidential approval document.

The delegation disclosed this following a fact‑finding visit to Abuja between June 16 and 18, 2026.

A statement made available to Vanguard on Thursday said the visit was aimed at determining the status of the long‑awaited payment and identifying obstacles delaying the process.

The team, comprising Alhaji Ore Salako, Engr. Ayuba Kyari, Capt. Prex Porbeni and Mr Chris Aligbe, met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Officials at the Ministry of Finance told the delegation that payment steps had already begun after the N36 billion entitlement was approved, but a file review showed the presidential approval authorising the payment was missing.

The elders were told that “the payment process remains active,” yet the missing approval document was identified as the main barrier to completion.

Technical Adviser to the Permanent Secretary, Mr Akor Abbah, confirmed that officials from the Office of the Accountant‑General of the Federation and PICA had pinpointed the missing approval as the key challenge.

According to the statement, Abbah explained that “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.”

The delegation said it had submitted letters to the Ministers of Finance and Aviation seeking intervention and would continue engaging relevant agencies to resolve the issue.

The elders described the mission as successful, saying it had provided clarity on the cause of the delay and the steps required to facilitate payment to affected former workers and pensioners of Nigeria Airways.