By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage— The Federal Government said it has paid ₦4.25 billion in outstanding pension and severance benefits to another 600 beneficiaries of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, bringing the total number of former workers and other eligible beneficiaries paid to 3,300.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, stating that the latest disbursement of ₦4,251,043,000.19 covered Batches 010 and 011 of the payment exercise.
The latest payment brings the cumulative number of beneficiaries paid under the exercise to 3,300, following the settlement of claims involving 2,700 beneficiaries in the first nine batches.
The disbursement is expected to provide financial relief to beneficiaries who have waited for years for the settlement of pension and severance entitlements arising from their service with the former national carrier.
Meanwhile, the Ministry said its verification and validation exercise for the next of kin of deceased former Nigeria Airways workers was ongoing.
The exercise is aimed at establishing eligibility and confirming claims against approved records to facilitate the settlement of outstanding benefits.
According to the Ministry, verified claims will continue to be processed in line with applicable procedures to ensure that payments reach eligible beneficiaries.
The settlement forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to resolve longstanding financial obligations inherited from the defunct airline.
The Ministry said the payment also aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by addressing legacy claims and providing financial relief to affected families.
