Keyamo Slams Atiku Over Tinubu Criticism, Cites ₦36bn Nigeria Airways Pension Payment

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of hypocrisy over his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, challenging him to account for the handling of Nigeria Airways workers’ pensions during the Obasanjo government.

Keyamo made the accusation in a post on his X account while responding to Atiku’s remarks about Nigeria’s rising cost of living and worsening insecurity. The minister argued that the former vice president’s record in government contradicted his current criticism of the administration.

Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), had criticised Tinubu over the economic hardship facing Nigerians. He said many families were struggling to afford basic necessities while citizens continued to face the threat of kidnapping and other attacks.

In his response, Keyamo focused on the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in September 2004, which took place during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Atiku served as vice president.

The aviation minister alleged that the airline’s closure left thousands of Nigerians without jobs and that former workers were not paid their pensions and gratuities, which he said amounted to billions of naira.

Keyamo said Tinubu had approved and released ₦36 billion more than a month ago to address the outstanding payments owed to former Nigeria Airways workers and their families. He added that beneficiaries had begun receiving payment notifications and that the workers’ union had recognised the President with an award for the intervention.

The minister also accused Atiku of taking credit for achievements of the Obasanjo administration when convenient but distancing himself from its decisions when facing criticism. He described the former vice president’s remarks as politically motivated and accused him of using criticism of the current government to advance his presidential ambitions.

Atiku’s criticism of Tinubu centred on the cost-of-living crisis and insecurity, while Keyamo’s response focused on the treatment of former Nigeria Airways employees. The exchange adds to the political confrontation between figures associated with the ruling APC and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.