The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says it has noted recent media reports concerning a proposed nationwide protest by a group identifying itself as the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, citing alleged non-payment of pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.
A statement signed by the Executive Secretary,
Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) said while PTAD fully recognises the
constitutional right of Pensioners to express their concerns, it is imperative to place the facts in proper context and reassure all pension stakeholders and the general public that the Federal Government and PTAD remain unwavering in their commitment to the welfare of all Federal Public Sector Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
Implementation of the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% Increments Following the approval of an emergency budgetary allocation by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the subsequent release of funds by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has successfully implemented the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increments for eligible Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) Pensioners under its management.
The implementation took effect with the September 2025 pension payroll and has continued to be paid till date.
This development, in spite of fiscal constraints, reaffirms the Federal Government’s steadfast commitment to DBS Pensioners’ welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda and underscores PTAD’s professionalism and efficiency in service delivery.
And while still awaiting the full release of the emergency budgetary provision that was approved by the President, the Directorate has continued to pay accrued pension arrears to all eligible DBS Pensioners in tranches, based on the availability of funds within its coffers.
Read Full Details Below:
As at date, the status of the number of months of pension arrears paid and outstanding is presented below.
Department
No. of Months Arrears Paid
No. of Months
Outstanding
PPD
13
0
CSPD
6
7
PaPD
7
6
CIPPD
11
2
Presidential Approvals Secured by PTAD Earlier This Year. Earlier in the year, PTAD forwarded a comprehensive submission to the Presidency in support of the pension increment and broader welfare improvements for all DBS Pensioners.
The submission was graciously approved by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and included the following measures: a) Implementation of the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% increments for respective DBS Pensioners.
b) Approval of the Pension Harmonization Policy to ensure equity and uniformity in pension payments across all DBS Pensioners; to be implemented under the 2026 pension budget.
c) Approval for the inclusion of the National Health Insurance Scheme
(NHIS) coverage for all DBS Pensioners beginning from the 2026 pension
budget.
d) Approval for the inclusion of unfunded pension liabilities owed to Pensioners of Defunct Agencies and treasury-funded Parastatals (including NITEL/MTEL) in the 2026 Federal Budget proposal.
Despite these far-reaching achievements secured through PTAD’s proactive
engagements with the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance, which was duly
communicated to all DBS Pensioners and stakeholders, clearly demonstrate
strong leadership and a genuine commitment to improving the welfare of DBS
Pensioners in both the short and long term.
It is regrettable that a few individuals and interest groups continue to deliberately downplay or disregard this significant progress. This stands in sharp contrast to the overwhelming acknowledgment and commendation of PTAD’s commitment, diligence, transparency, and service delivery by the wider body of stakeholders.
PTAD’s Record of Service and Delivery
PTAD remains one of the most reform-driven and transparent public service institutions in Nigeria, with notable achievements including:
a) The Directorate has sustained the regular and prompt payment of monthly
pensions to all verified DBS Pensioners. It is noteworthy that the Federal Government has disbursed a cumulative total of ₦1.002 trillion in monthly pension payments to eligible DBS Pensioners from the time of the DBS take-over in 2015 to October 2025.
b) Digitization of pension records with BVN/NIN to eliminate ghost Pensioners.
c) The “I Am Alive” validation platform, allowing DBS Pensioners to confirm their aliveness status remotely and conveniently.
d) Resolution of inherited arrears and gratuities across the Civil Service,
Parastatals, Police, and Customs, Immigration & Prisons Pension Departments.
e) Open engagement and collaboration with recognized pension unions for
improved service delivery.
Clarification on the So-Called Coalition of Federal Pensioners
The two (2) recognised pension unions, NUP and FEPPPAN, and other Pensioner
associations affiliated under these two umbrella pension bodies continue to work closely with PTAD in the collective interest of all DBS Pensioners’ welfare. It must, however, be emphasised that the Coalition of Federal Pensioners, which claims to represent Federal DBS Pensioners has inaccurately claimed that it was informed that all pension arrears would be paid within two (2) weeks of the Federal Government’s approval.
On the basis of this misinformation, the group has issued threats of protest, while refusing to acknowledge the significant efforts and measurable progress already recorded in the implementation of the pension increment and the payment of accrued arrears.
It is also important to clarify that the ₦25,000 palliative payment does not fall within PTAD’s mandate. The responsible Federal Government Agency under the Social Safety Net Programme is currently working to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are duly captured and paid.
The two recognised Pension Unions; NUP and FEPPPAN, are fully aware of this arrangement and have continued to engage appropriately with the
Federal Government on behalf of their members.
The majority of pension unions and associations have also continued to engage constructively with PTAD and have publicly commended the Directorate’s professionalism, responsiveness, and commitment to the welfare of DBS Pensioners.
PTAD remains focused on serving all DBS Pensioners fairly and equitably and will not be distracted by misinformation or actions aimed at undermining the collective progress that is being achieved.
Commitment to DBS Pensioners’ Welfare
The Directorate reaffirms its commitment to paying the outstanding arrears of the approved pension increments as additional funds are released by the Federal Government. Our Pensioners are therefore advised to rely solely on official PTAD communication channels for accurate and verified information.
A Call for Unity and Constructive Dialogue: PTAD appreciates the cooperation and patience of all DBS Pensioners and urges all stakeholders to sustain the collective spirit of unity, dialogue, and partnership. It is our strong belief and a time-tested truism that constructive engagement remains the best path forward to consolidating progress and achieving lasting welfare benefits for all DBS Pensioners.
Conclusion
PTAD’s mandate remains unequivocal; to safeguard and improve the welfare of every DBS Pensioner. The implementation of the ₦32,000 pension increment, alongside the range of Presidential approvals already secured clearly demonstrate the Federal
Government’s unwavering determination to fully resolve the long-standing challenges surrounding the payment of pension arrears and to firmly deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda. This Administration will continue to stand with Nigeria’s senior citizens, protecting their dignity, security, and well-being at all times.
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