PTAD Confirms Full Implementation of ₦32,000 Pension Increment, Addresses Misinformation on Arrears and Palliatives
Oru Leonard
Abuja — The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has clarified the status of the recently approved pension increments for Federal Government retirees, affirming that the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% increases have been fully implemented and are currently being paid to eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners.
According to a statement from the Directorate, the implementation took effect from the September 2025 payroll following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an emergency budgetary allocation and the subsequent release of funds by the Ministry of Finance. PTAD said the move reflects the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Despite fiscal constraints, PTAD noted that it has continued to pay accrued arrears in tranches, based strictly on available funds. The breakdown of arrears paid so far shows that the Police Pension Department (PPD) has received all 13 outstanding months; the Customs, Immigration & Prisons Pension Department (CIPPD) has had 11 months settled with 2 remaining; the Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD) has received 7 out of 13 months, leaving 6 outstanding; and the Civil Service Pension Department (CSPD) has had 6 out of 13 months cleared, with 7 months pending.
Presidential Approvals and Ongoing Reforms
PTAD further disclosed that earlier this year it secured several key presidential approvals aimed at strengthening pension welfare. These include the harmonization of pensions under the 2026 budget, the inclusion of DBS pensioners in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) starting in 2026, and the planned settlement of unfunded liabilities owed to pensioners of defunct agencies and treasury-funded parastatals such as NITEL and MTEL.
The Directorate described these achievements as evidence of proactive engagement with the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance, and reaffirmed that the reforms demonstrated clear leadership and a strong commitment to both immediate and long-term improvements in pension administration.
PTAD Counters Claims by Self-Styled Coalition
PTAD also addressed recent media reports of a planned protest by a group calling itself the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, which alleged non-payment of arrears and palliatives. PTAD described the claims as inaccurate and based on misinformation, noting that the group wrongly asserted that all arrears would be paid within two weeks of government approval.
The Directorate stressed that only two unions— the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN)—are formally recognized as umbrella bodies for DBS pensioners. Both unions, PTAD said, have been fully briefed on the status of payments and have continued to collaborate constructively.
PTAD also clarified that the ₦25,000 palliative payment does not fall under its mandate. Responsibility for this lies with the government’s Social Safety Net Programme, which is still compiling beneficiary data. The recognized unions are already engaging appropriate agencies to ensure eligible retirees are captured.
Consistent Service Delivery and Transparency
Highlighting its record, the Directorate stated that from 2015 to October 2025, the Federal Government has disbursed a cumulative ₦1.002 trillion in monthly pension payments. Other achievements include the digitization of pension records using BVN and NIN, the “I Am Alive” verification platform, and the resolution of inherited arrears across multiple departments and parastatals.
PTAD said it remains one of the most reform-driven public institutions in Nigeria, committed to transparency, collaboration, and the timely delivery of pension benefits.
Call for Unity and Continued Dialogue
Reiterating its commitment to settling all outstanding arrears once additional funds are released, PTAD urged pensioners to rely solely on official communication for accurate information. The Directorate appealed to all stakeholders to maintain unity and constructive dialogue to sustain the progress made in strengthening pension administration.
PTAD concluded by reaffirming its mandate to protect and enhance the welfare of all DBS pensioners, noting that the Federal Government remains dedicated to securing the dignity and well-being of Nigeria’s senior citizens.
(PTAD Media)
