The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has reaffirmed that the Federal Government has fully implemented the ₦32,000 pension increase and other approved adjustments for Federal Public Sector Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). The clarification was coming in response to media reports of a planned nationwide protest by a group calling itself the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, which alleged delays in payment of arrears and palliative allowances.
In a statement signed by Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya, Executive Secretary of PTAD, the Directorate acknowledged the right of pensioners to express concerns but emphasised the need to correct misinformation and reaffirm commitment to pensioners’ welfare. Odunaiya noted that following the approval of an emergency budgetary allocation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance, the new pension rates including the ₦32,000 increment and other adjustments were introduced beginning with the September 2025 payroll and have been maintained consistently.
The statement explained that, while awaiting full release of the budgetary provision, PTAD has continued paying accrued arrears in tranches as funds become available. Some departments have already cleared all outstanding arrears, while others remain in the process of settlement.
PTAD further highlighted major welfare measures for DBS pensioners recently approved by the Presidency including pension harmonisation for greater equity, planned inclusion of all DBS pensioners in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) from 2026, and the incorporation of unfunded liabilities owed to pensioners of defunct agencies (such as NITEL / MTEL) in the 2026 Federal Budget. According to PTAD, these reforms reflect a longstanding and genuine commitment to improving the retirement welfare of Nigeria’s senior public servants.
Addressing claims by the so-called Coalition of Federal Pensioners, the Directorate clarified that only the officially recognised unions namely the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) represent Federal DBS pensioners. Neither union has endorsed the protest, and PTAD described the coalition’s claims including the assertion that arrears would be fully cleared within two weeks of government approval as based on inaccurate information.
PTAD also underscored that the widely reported ₦25,000 palliative payment falls outside its mandate, being managed instead by the Federal Government’s Social Safety Net Programme. The Directorate said recognised pension unions continue to engage with the relevant agencies to ensure eligible beneficiaries are captured appropriately.
Reaffirming its track record of transparency and reform, PTAD recalled that monthly pensions have been paid reliably every month, supported by initiatives such as digitising pension records with BVN/NIN, implementing the “I Am Alive” digital verification platform, and clearing inherited arrears across Civil Service, Parastatals, Police, Customs, Immigration and Prisons pension departments. Since taking over management of the DBS in 2015, PTAD says the Government has disbursed over ₦1.002 trillion in pension payments.
The Directorate urged all pensioners to rely solely on official PTAD communications for updates, assuring that outstanding arrears will be settled as additional funds are released. It called for unity, patience, and constructive engagement, stressing that collaboration remains critical to sustaining progress.
The statement concluded with a firm commitment from Executive Secretary Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya to protect and enhance the dignity, security, and well-being of all DBS pensioners under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
