Keyamo Accuses Atiku of Hypocrisy Over Nigeria Airways Liquidation, Pension Arrears

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has accused former Vice-President and ADC presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar of hypocrisy after Atiku criticised the economic hardship and insecurity facing Nigerians.

Atiku, in a message addressed to Nigerians, highlighted the difficulties faced by families struggling with rising living costs, hunger, poor purchasing power and insecurity. He urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as a means of peacefully demanding change.

“Bola made life expensive. I will work to make life affordable again and restore the security every Nigerian deserves,” Atiku wrote, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, Keyamo responded by challenging Atiku’s record in government, particularly over the liquidation of the defunct Nigeria Airways and the unpaid pensions and gratuities of its former workers.

In his reply, Keyamo alleged that the Federal Government under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Atiku was Vice-President, liquidated Nigeria Airways in September 2004, leaving thousands of workers without jobs and their retirement benefits unpaid.

The aviation minister claimed that many affected workers had died while waiting for their entitlements, adding that President Tinubu had approved and released ₦36 billion to settle outstanding payments to former Nigeria Airways workers and their families.

According to Keyamo, beneficiaries have started receiving payments, while the workers’ union recently recognised Tinubu for the intervention.

Keyamo argued that Atiku should account for the actions of the administration in which he served rather than criticise the current government over hardship and the welfare of Nigerians.

He also accused the former Vice-President of taking credit for some decisions of the Obasanjo administration when convenient while distancing himself from others.

Describing Atiku’s message as hypocritical, Keyamo said the former Vice-President’s political ambition would not shield his record from public scrutiny.

The exchange highlights the growing political contest over responsibility for Nigeria’s economic challenges, the legacy of previous administrations and the current government’s handling of workers’ welfare.