Precious Nwonu, Enugu

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over his comments on Nigeria’s economic challenges, accusing him of failing to take responsibility for the collapse of Nigeria Airways.

Keyamo, in a post on his X account on Wednesday, said the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in which Atiku served as vice-president, liquidated the national carrier in September 2004, leaving thousands of workers without jobs and unpaid pensions and gratuities.

“Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, this is hypocrisy at its peak! Let me just talk only about the sector that I head, Aviation,” the minister wrote.

He alleged that former employees of the airline had struggled for years to receive their entitlements, with many dying before the outstanding payments were settled.

Keyamo said President Bola Tinubu had approved and released ₦36bn to clear the liabilities owed to the former workers, adding that some beneficiaries had started receiving payment alerts.

“Over a month ago, Mr President approved and released the total sum of ₦36bn to bring succour to these families. They have started receiving alerts and praying for Mr President,” he said.

The minister added that the workers’ union had presented an award to Tinubu in recognition of the intervention.

Keyamo also accused Atiku of attempting to mislead younger Nigerians unfamiliar with the history of the defunct airline.

He argued that the former vice-president took credit for achievements of the Obasanjo administration when politically convenient but distanced himself from its decisions at other times.

“When it is convenient for you, you claim some credit for the Obasanjo-Atiku government, and when not convenient, you say Obasanjo was in charge and not you as Vice-President,” Keyamo stated.

Atiku had earlier criticised the rising cost of living and insecurity in the country, pledging to make life more affordable and improve security if elected president.

In a post on his official X account on Wednesday, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate also urged registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general election.