The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has reassured pensioners of its strong commitment to solving important issues affecting them, including the payment of the newly approved N32,000 pension increase and other outstanding arrears.
This was made known in a statement issued to our correspondent on Sunday. The statement was signed by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi.
According to the statement, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, gave this assurance during a meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with the executives of the Federal Universities Pensioners’ Association (FUPA) and the Association of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Pensioners (AFRCNP).
Mrs. Odunaiya told the pensioners’ leaders that the agency is not only aware of their concerns but is already working seriously to address them. Some of the major issues discussed include back-end computation of pensions, payment to next-of-kin of deceased pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), verification of pensioners living abroad, and the settlement of all outstanding arrears.
She explained that PTAD is currently engaging closely with other critical government bodies like the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to fast-track solutions. She added that once funding is made available, the payment of the pension arrears would begin immediately.
While addressing the pensioners, Mrs. Odunaiya stressed that the Directorate is fully committed to the welfare of retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). She said that PTAD would not relent until pensioners start enjoying the benefits they deserve after many years of service to the country.
The meeting, which was held to foster better communication between PTAD and pensioner groups, ended on a positive note. Representatives of the Federal Universities Pensioners’ Association and the Association of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria Pensioners praised PTAD for the efforts made so far. They also promised to continue working with the Directorate to ensure that the interests of pensioners are well protected.
PTAD reaffirmed its readiness to implement the newly approved N32,000 pension increment for DBS retirees once the 2025 budgetary allocations are released. The Directorate noted that preparations for the adjustment are already in motion, and pensioners should expect positive changes once the necessary funds are approved by the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, experts say the timely implementation of the pension increment and clearance of outstanding arrears will go a long way in improving the living standards of retired workers, many of whom are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living in the country.
Pensioners across the country have long complained about delayed payments, complicated verification processes, and inadequate welfare packages. PTAD’s latest assurance offers a glimpse of hope to many retirees who have been waiting patiently for action.
As the government continues to push for reforms in the pension sector, stakeholders are calling for quicker verification processes, regular payments, and better access to healthcare for elderly citizens under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
