Aviation
Retired aviation workers set to get pensions after 22 years
Retired aviation workers set to get pensions after 22 years
In a long-awaited development, the Federal Government has approved the disbursement of pensions to retired aviation workers, bringing relief to thousands of former employees who have waited over two decades for their entitlements.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
According to the NOA, the Ministry of Aviation confirmed that payment arrangements are already in motion and assured that the process will be handled with transparency, fairness, and accountability.
“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 statement said.
The approval also includes compensation for former staff of Nigeria Airways, which was shut down in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and a heavy debt burden.
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The airline, which had operated since 1958, was fully owned by the federal government.
Its closure left over 6,000 employees without their full pensions and gratuities, sparking years of protest and appeals.
The development has been widely welcomed by stakeholders, who view it as a significant step toward restoring the dignity of retired aviation workers and rebuilding trust in the aviation industry.
In 2018, aviation unions such as the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) had threatened to shut down Nigerian airspace in protest of the government’s refusal to pay outstanding ₦45 billion in entitlements.
Though then-President Muhammadu Buhari approved ₦22 billion for partial payment, unions maintained that ₦36 billion remained unpaid.
The unions also expressed frustration that many retirees had died while waiting for their benefits, condemning the long delay in payment.
In January 2025, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Aviation had threatened to block the Ministry of Aviation’s budget unless provisions were made to address the retirees’ outstanding entitlements.
With this new approval, the government has responded to years of persistent calls for justice from the aviation sector, promising long-overdue relief for thousands of retired workers.
Retired aviation workers set to get pensions after 22 years
Aviation
NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)
NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Segun Martins, who attempted to stow away on an Overland Airways flight at the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin, in Kwara State.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 3:02 pm, when Martins allegedly breached airside security and approached an aircraft preparing for take-off.
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According to the NCAA, the suspect attempted to hide between the aircraft tyres before he was spotted and apprehended by airport ground security personnel. He was subsequently handed over to the airport police division for further investigation.
During preliminary interrogation, Martins reportedly said he believed the aircraft was headed for the United States and attempted to escape Nigeria by concealing himself in the aircraft’s undercarriage.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to ensuring strict security protocols across all airports in the country.
NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin
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NCAA arrests man who attempted to stow away on Overland Airways flight in Ilorin (Video)
Aviation
FEC approves major upgrades to airports’ navigation, communication systems
FEC Approves Major Upgrades to Airports’ Navigation, Communication Systems to Boost Air Safety
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a series of major upgrades to Nigeria’s airport navigation and communication systems, aimed at enhancing air safety and modernising the nation’s aviation infrastructure.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the approvals on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Keyamo revealed that the council approved the installation of an Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) in Lagos and Abuja airports. The system is designed to detect runway obstructions, improve visibility, and enhance ground safety operations.
In a move to strengthen aviation communication reliability, FEC also approved the procurement of aeronautical frequency monitoring and interference detection systems, as well as the construction of new modular air traffic control towers for eight airports.
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“Approval was given for the installation of an aeronautical frequency spectrum monitor and interference detection solution to improve communication between ground controllers, tower personnel and aircraft,” Keyamo said.
He explained that the system will significantly boost communication integrity and provide more precise guidance during runway approaches and departures.
Additionally, the council endorsed the upgrade, replacement, and installation of remote-controlled air–ground VHF radio communication systems in nine airports, including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Abuja, Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Wukari.
Keyamo also disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the nationwide rollout of biometric-enabled e-gates at all international airports to fast-track passenger clearance and improve travel experience.
“These upgrades reflect Mr President’s commitment to modernising aviation facilities and ensuring safer, more efficient air travel across Nigeria,” he stated.
The minister emphasised that the comprehensive improvements will align Nigerian airports with global aviation standards and enhance overall operational efficiency.
FEC approves major upgrades to airports’ navigation, communication systems
Aviation
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that an Enugu Air aircraft suffered a nose-landing gear malfunction while touching down at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after a flight from Lagos.
According to Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident occurred around 19:10 hrs on Thursday as the aircraft, with registration number SN-BZN, completed its approach on Runway 08. The plane came to a stop on the runway and was unable to move moments after landing.
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FAAN said emergency response teams were “immediately mobilised” to secure the airfield and ensure the safety of all onboard.
“FAAN’s airport emergency resources, including fire tenders and medical standby, were deployed as standard procedure,” the statement said.
“All passengers and crew were safely disembarked and evacuated to the terminal using Apron buses. Evacuation concluded at 19:48 hrs, with no injuries recorded.”
The agency added that its Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Services (ARFFS) were already in position as the aircraft and airside were secured. FAAN reiterated that the safety of travellers, crew members and airport personnel remains its top priority, and said further information will be provided once investigations progress.
The incident places renewed scrutiny on Enugu Air, which was launched just four months ago by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
FAAN Confirms Enugu Air Plane Suffers Nose-Landing Gear Failure at Enugu Airport
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