PTAD says pension increment payments are already ongoing, noting that over N1.002 trillion has been disbursed to federal pensioners since 2015 under the Defined Benefit Scheme, while also confirming that the approved N32,000 increment has been implemented and arrears are being serviced. The Directorate added that although pensioners are also demanding the N25,000 palliative allowance, that payment is not under its mandate but handled by another government agency responsible for social welfare.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate reacted to reports of a planned nationwide protest by a group called the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria over alleged non-payment of arrears and palliatives. PTAD stated it recognises the rights of DBS Pensioners to raise concerns but stressed 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.”
PTAD explained that the N32,000, 10.65% and 12.95% pension increments were implemented after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved an emergency allocation and the Ministry of Finance released funds. The agency said the increases were applied through a transparent five-step payroll process and that the amount already paid demonstrates government commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
It noted that arrears continue to be paid in tranches according to available funds and an approved schedule that captures months already paid and months outstanding in each department. According to PTAD’s breakdown, the Police Pension Department received 13 months of arrears with no balance left, the Civil Service Pension Department received 6 months and has 7 outstanding, the Parastatals Pension Department received 1 month and has 6 outstanding, while the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office received 11 months with 7 left unpaid.
The Directorate said it had earlier submitted a detailed request to the Presidency supporting the increment and broader welfare plans. It stated that “the submission was graciously approved by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” adding that the approvals include implementation of increments, harmonisation of pension payments beginning in the 2026 budget, National Health Insurance Scheme coverage for all pensioners from 2026 and inclusion of unfunded pension liabilities of defunct and unreformed parastatals in the 2026 federal budget.
PTAD pointed out that despite progress communicated to pensioners and stakeholders, some misleading reports continue to circulate. It said high-level engagements between PTAD, ministries and pension unions show firm institutional support for pension welfare, contrasting the claims of unauthorised groups.
The Directorate highlighted its record, describing itself as one of Nigeria’s most reform-driven public institutions. It stated that monthly pensions have continued to be paid promptly to verified retirees and noted that “the Federal Government has disbursed a cumulative total of N1.002 trillion in monthly pension payments to eligible DBS Pensioners from the time of the DBS take-over in 2015 to October 2025.”
PTAD also cited reforms such as BVN and NIN-driven record updates to tackle ghost pensioners, the “I Am Alive” verification platform, settlement of inherited arrears across departments and ongoing collaboration with recognised pension unions.
On the Coalition of Federal Pensioners issue, PTAD clarified that only two unions are officially recognised, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria. It said these unions and their affiliates continue to work with PTAD in the pensioners’ interest while the protest group wrongly claimed it was told that all arrears would be cleared within two weeks of government approval. PTAD said this claim led to threats of protest despite clear progress already recorded.
The Directorate said it has held several meetings, phone discussions and correspondence with the group’s leaders encouraging dialogue but stated that these efforts “now appear to have been rebuffed.” PTAD also stressed that the N25,000 palliative payment is not its responsibility.
It said the federal agency in charge of the Social Safety Net Programme is currently working to ensure deserving pensioners receive the allowance. It added that recognised unions endorsed PTAD’s approach and are actively engaging government to ensure compliance.
In its message, PTAD commended pensioners for their patience and stated it will not be distracted by misinformation or efforts to undermine ongoing progress. It reaffirmed its commitment to clearing outstanding arrears of the approved increments as more government funds are released. Pensioners were advised to rely only on official PTAD channels for verified information.
PTAD also called for unity, urging pension stakeholders to maintain cooperation and dialogue. It said “a continued firm-based institutional engagement between PTAD and pension unions is key to consolidating progress and achieving lasting welfare benefits for all DBS Pensioners.”
The Directorate restated that its mandate is to safeguard and improve pensioners’ welfare. It said the implementation of the N32,000 increment aligned with presidential approval shows the government’s strong determination to resolve long-standing pension issues under the Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects a shared dedication to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of senior citizens. The statement was signed by Tolulope A. Odunayo, Executive Secretary of PTAD.
