August 8, 2025 – The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major reforms and welfare measures for Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking emergency budgetary allocation to implement new pension rates, harmonisation policies, health insurance coverage, and settlement of unpaid pension liabilities.
Key reforms approved include a pension increment of N32,000, along with percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies.
There will also be harmonisation of pensions for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and payment of accrued unfunded pension liabilities owed to pensioners of defunct agencies and treasury-funded parastatals.
According to PTAD, President Tinubu has authorised an additional budgetary allocation for the full implementation of the new pension rates, adoption of the harmonisation policy in the 2026 Pension Budget, and provision of health insurance coverage for all DBS pensioners under the same budget.
The 2026 Budget Proposal will also include the balance of inherited unfunded pension liabilities owed to pensioners of NITEL/MTEL, as well as accrued arrears for other parastatal pensioners.
Executive Secretary Tolulope Odunaiya expressed appreciation for what she described as a historic development.
“These approvals are a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on equity, social justice, and the dignity of our pensioners. Additionally, it cements the position of Mr. President as the leader who ushered a new era of far-reaching and impactful welfare benefits for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme,” she said.
Odunaiya noted that these measures mark a turning point in DBS pension administration and reflect the President’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s senior citizens. PTAD stated that the reforms will be implemented in phases in collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure smooth execution.
The Directorate also reassured pensioners of its continued dedication to improving their welfare, noting that the reforms will directly address long-standing issues affecting retired workers.
The announcement, dated August 8, 2025, signals what PTAD calls a renewed era of fairness and improved living standards for DBS pensioners across the country.
