Aviation minister brands Atiku’s criticism of Tinubu as hypocritical over Nigeria Airways collapse

Background of the dispute The aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, responded on social media to comments made by former vice‑president Atiku Abubakar, who has been campaigning on the economic hardships and security challenges facing Nigerians. Atiku, now the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for rising living costs and insecurity.

Reference to the 2004 airline liquidation Keyamo highlighted that during Atiku’s tenure as vice‑president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the government ordered the liquidation of the state‑owned carrier Nigeria Airways in September 2004. According to the minister, the closure left thousands of employees without jobs and with unpaid pensions and gratuities, a debt he described as amounting to billions of naira.

Tinubu’s recent settlement Keyamo asserted that the current administration has taken steps to address the outstanding liabilities. He cited reports that President Tinubu approved and released a total of N36 billion to settle the arrears owed to former Nigeria Airways workers. The minister said that payment alerts have begun to reach some beneficiaries and that the workers’ union publicly recognised the president’s intervention, even presenting him with an award.

Accusations of hypocrisy In his post, Keyamo argued that Atiku’s criticism of the Tinubu government was inconsistent, given the former vice‑president’s involvement in the earlier decision that created the workers’ plight. He suggested that only younger Nigerians unfamiliar with the historical record might be persuaded by Atiku’s statements, and warned that the truth would be exposed to them.

Political context The exchange occurs amid a broader political contest, with Atiku positioning himself as a challenger to Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Keyamo’s remarks also touched on a pattern he perceives in Atiku’s public narrative: taking credit for achievements of the Obasanjo‑Atiku administration when convenient, while distancing himself from less favourable outcomes.

Reactions and implications While the minister’s statements have been reported by several Nigerian outlets, there has been no independent verification of the exact amount disbursed or the number of workers who have received payments. The debate underscores ongoing tensions between the current government and opposition figures over accountability for past policy decisions and the handling of present economic challenges.

Outlook The issue is likely to remain a point of contention as the election cycle progresses, with both sides expected to continue referencing historical actions to bolster their respective positions on governance and economic management.