Relief for Retirees as Federal Government Clears ₦3.9bn Pension Backlog

Jubilation from Nigerian retirees as the Federal Government disbursed ₦3.9 billion in pension arrears to 91,146 pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

The payment, made through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), represents the implementation of the ₦32,000 pension increment approved by President Bola Tinubu.

According to PTAD, the arrears were released across major pension departments, signalling renewed efforts by the Federal Government to clear outstanding liabilities and improve retirees’ welfare.

The breakdown shows:

• – ₦1.9bn to 59,865 pensioners in the Parastatals Pension Department.
• – ₦830m to 12,976 Civil Service pensioners.
• – ₦620m to 9,689 Police retirees.
• – ₦551m to 8,616 pensioners under Customs, Immigration and Prisons.

In a statement issued by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, the Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring dignity to retirees.

“The completion of this payment is a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving pensioners’ welfare under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she said.

Odunaiya added that the agency remained focused on ensuring timely and consistent pension payments across all departments.

‘No Eligible Pensioner Will Be Left Behind’

The Executive Secretary explained that the latest disbursement underscores PTAD’s determination to wipe out pension arrears and strengthen transparency in the system.

“Our pensioners deserve timely payment, and we are working to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left behind,” she assured.

She emphasised that PTAD would continue to monitor disbursements and ensure all retirees promptly receive what is due to them.

Odunaiya described the payment as “a significant step forward,” adding that PTAD is committed to establishing a system that guarantees consistent support and improved welfare for senior citizens nationwide.

The development has been welcomed by retirees who have long lamented delayed payments and rising economic hardship.