The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, ending a wait of nearly 22 years.

According to a statement posted Tuesday on the official X account of the National Orientation Agency, the Ministry of Aviation confirmed that disbursement will commence soon and assured that the process will be transparent and fair.

“The Federal Government has approved the long-awaited pensions for retired aviation workers, bringing long-overdue relief to thousands who served in the sector. This decision follows years of advocacy by unions pushing for justice for retirees, especially from defunct national carriers.

“The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that the payments will be processed soon, with a commitment to transparency,” the statement read in part.

The payment approval also includes former staff of the defunct national airline, ensuring they are covered in the upcoming disbursements.

Nigeria Airways, fully owned by the Federal Government, operated from 1958 until it shut down in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and rising debts.

Its closure left over 6,000 former employees without their full pensions and gratuities, sparking nearly two decades of appeals and advocacy for their entitlements.