The National Industrial Court in Lagos has mandated Arik Air to pay an ex-employee, Mrs. Andreia Perdigao, over $24,000 in unpaid salary arrears. The decision came after the court found that Mrs. Perdigao was wrongfully terminated from her position.
Mrs. Perdigao, who served as an air hostess for Arik Air for approximately three years, took legal action against the airline following her dismissal in 2017. She sought payment for several months of outstanding salaries.
According to court documents (SUIT NO.: NICN/LA/532/2017), Mrs. Perdigao claimed her monthly salary of $2,683.33 had not been paid from December 2016 to March 2017, totaling $21,466.64.
In addition to the salary arrears, she requested the court to award her N35 million for breach of contract, among other claims.
Justice M.N. Esowe, delivering the judgment, confirmed the existence of a contractual employment relationship between Mrs. Perdigao and Arik Air. He stated, “The defendants are obligated to pay the claimant eight months’ salary arrears for the period from August 2016 to December 2016 and from January 2017 to March 2017, amounting to $21,466.64.”
The court also awarded Mrs. Perdigao an additional $2,683.33 as general damages for the breach of contract. Furthermore, it ordered Arik Air to pay 15% interest on all judgment sums from the date of the ruling until full payment is made.
Despite the judgment being issued on May 9, it has not yet been enforced. When contacted, Adebajo Ola, Head of Corporate Communications for Arik Air, stated, “I am not aware of the case. I will need to find out.”
This ruling underscores the legal protections available to employees in Nigeria and the importance of companies adhering to contractual obligations.
