The Federal Government has released N4.04 billion as the second tranche of severance benefits to 600 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited.

The latest payment, covering beneficiaries in Batches 010 and 011, was announced on Monday in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Maryann Duke.

According to the statement, the total gross severance benefits for the 600 beneficiaries amounted to N4.251 billion, while deductions stood at N212.55 million, leaving a net payment of N4.038 billion. The Ministry disclosed that payment details are as follows: Number of beneficiaries, 600, total gross severance benefits, N4,251,043,000.19, deductions, N212,552,150.01, total net amount released for payment, N4,038,490,850.18.

The statement said the latest disbursement follows the N18 billion released in September 2026 for 2,700 former workers across the first nine batches. With the two tranches announced so far, a total of 3,300 former Nigeria Airways workers have now been covered.

The Federal Government said the payment forms part of its ongoing efforts to settle outstanding severance obligations owed to former employees of the defunct national carrier. It explained that the disbursement is being implemented in batches, based on the verification of beneficiaries and their employment records, to ensure that approved entitlements reach the rightful recipients.

The government acknowledged the prolonged wait experienced by former employees and their families, noting that Nigeria Airways ceased operations in 2003 and was liquidated in 2004, leaving thousands of workers pursuing unpaid benefits for more than two decades.

It added that it remains committed to resolving legitimate outstanding claims through an orderly and transparent process, while safeguarding public funds through appropriate verification.