The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has paid a total of N1.73 billion to 54,206 pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), marking the full settlement of arrears tied to the N32,000 pension increment.
The increment, approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), took effect from July 29, 2024, and applied to eligible pensioners across key departments.
In a statement issued by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, the agency confirmed that it has now cleared all outstanding arrears, including the final one-month balance owed to beneficiaries.
Breakdown of Payments
According to PTAD, payments were made across two major pension departments:
- Under the Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD), 25,804 pensioners received a total of N825.72 million. This completes all 13 months of arrears owed to beneficiaries in that category.
- Under the Tertiary Education and Health Pension Department (TEHPD), 28,402 pensioners were paid N908.86 million, also covering the full 13-month arrears period.
The arrears covered payments from August 2024 through August 2025.
PTAD had previously paid 12 months of the arrears in phases between December 2024 and December 2025, with this latest disbursement settling the final balance.
Exempted Institutions
PTAD clarified that some DBS pensioners were excluded from the N32,000 increment.
These include retirees from organisations such as the Peoples Bank of Nigeria, NICON Insurance, NITEL, and the Petroleum Training Institute, among others.
The exclusion, PTAD explained, is due to prior pension increases of 10.66% and 12.95% already granted to these groups, in line with NSIWC guidelines.
Commitment to Pensioners’ Welfare
With the arrears now fully settled, PTAD reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring timely and transparent pension administration.
The agency noted that its efforts align with the Renewed Hope agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises improved welfare and dignity for retirees.
The development is expected to bring relief to thousands of pensioners who had awaited the completion of the increment payments, reinforcing confidence in the government’s pension management system.
