The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, has responded to recent media reports about a proposed nationwide protest by a group calling itself the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria. The group is alleging non-payment of pension increment arrears and palliative allowances.
PTAD says while it acknowledges the constitutional right of pensioners to express their concerns, it is important to set the facts straight.
The Directorate reassured pension stakeholders and the public that both the Federal Government and PTAD remain fully committed to the welfare of all pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
According to PTAD, the implementation of the approved ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increments began in September 2025, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an emergency budgetary allocation and the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance. It notes that these increments have continued to be paid despite fiscal pressures—an indication of government’s commitment to pensioner welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
PTAD also stated that accrued pension arrears are being paid in tranches based on available funds, while awaiting the full release of the emergency budget provision. Current arrears status across departments shows the Civil Service Pension Department has six months paid and seven outstanding, the Parastatals Pension Department seven paid and six outstanding, the Customs, Immigration & Prisons Department 11 months paid and two outstanding, while Police Pensioners have had 13 months fully paid.
Earlier this year, PTAD secured presidential approvals covering several welfare-enhancing measures, including:
Implementation of the pension increments;
Approval of a Pension Harmonization Policy to take effect in the 2026 budget;
Inclusion of DBS Pensioners in the National Health Insurance Scheme from 2026 and
Provision for unfunded liabilities of defunct agencies in the 2026 budget proposal.
The agency expressed concern that some groups continue to ignore these achievements while spreading misinformation—particularly the claim that all arrears were to be paid within two weeks of the President’s approval, which PTAD described as false.
PTAD further clarified that the ₦25,000 palliative payment does not fall under its mandate. The responsible agency under the Social Safety Net Programme is working to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are captured and paid. Recognised pension unions, NUP and FEPPPAN, are already aware of this arrangement and are engaging with government accordingly.
The Directorate highlighted its record of reforms, including prompt monthly pension payments—amounting to over ₦1 trillion disbursed since 2015 digitization of pension records, and the introduction of the “I Am Alive” verification platform.
PTAD says it remains committed to paying outstanding arrears as additional funds are released and urges pensioners to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information. It called for unity and constructive dialogue, noting that progress can only be sustained through cooperation.
The Directorate reaffirmed its mandate to safeguard the welfare of every pensioner under the Defined Benefit Scheme, assuring that the Federal Government remains determined to resolve pending issues and uphold the dignity and well-being of senior citizens.