FG Implements ₦32,000 Pension Increase as PTAD Counters Misinformation, Reaffirms Commitment to Pensioners. By Raymond Enoch

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has moved to dispel reports of alleged non-payment of pension increment arrears, insisting that the Federal Government has fully implemented the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% pension increases for all eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners. The Directorate said the increments took effect from the September 2025 payroll and have been paid consistently since then, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an emergency budgetary provision and subsequent release of funds by the Ministry of Finance.

PTAD’s response follows media reports suggesting a planned nationwide protest by a group identifying itself as the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, which claimed that government had failed to pay arrears and palliative allowances. The Directorate acknowledged the right of pensioners to express their concerns but described the group’s claims as inaccurate and disconnected from verified government actions.

According to PTAD, arrears of pension increments are being paid in tranches, based strictly on the availability of funds. For now, the Parastatals Pension Department has cleared thirteen months, leaving none outstanding; the Civil Service Pension Department has paid six months with seven outstanding; the Police Pension Department has paid seven months leaving six; while the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Department has paid eleven months, leaving two outstanding. PTAD said the graded payment approach is the only realistic method pending full release of the approved emergency budget.

Earlier in the year, PTAD secured a series of far-reaching presidential approvals designed to strengthen the welfare of DBS pensioners. These include the implementation of the ₦32,000, 10.66% and 12.95% increments; the Pension Harmonisation Policy set for rollout under the 2026 pension budget; the extension of National Health Insurance Scheme coverage to all DBS pensioners from 2026; and the inclusion of unfunded pension liabilities—such as those owed to NITEL, MTEL and other defunct agencies—into the 2026 Federal Budget proposal. The Directorate noted that these reforms represent some of the most sweeping pension welfare upgrades in a decade.

PTAD highlighted its operational record, stating that from its takeover of the DBS in 2015 up to October 2025, the Federal Government has disbursed ₦1.002 trillion in monthly pension payments to verified pensioners. The Directorate also cited the digitisation of pension records using BVN and NIN, the “I Am Alive” remote verification platform, and the resolution of numerous inherited arrears across parastatals and security-related pension departments as proof of its service integrity.

The Directorate further clarified that the ₦25,000 palliative payment referenced by the protesting group is not within its mandate. That responsibility lies with the Federal Government agency managing the national Social Safety Net Programme. PTAD added that the two recognised pension unions—the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN)—are fully aware of this and have continued to engage the government accordingly.

PTAD described the claims by the Coalition of Federal Pensioners as rooted in misinformation, especially the assertion that arrears would be cleared within two weeks of the President’s approval. The Directorate said such expectations ignore the structured budgetary process and the transparent, incremental approach already communicated to stakeholders. It added that the overwhelming majority of pension unions and associations continue to commend PTAD’s professionalism and service delivery.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, fairness and timely payments, PTAD urged pensioners to rely solely on official communication channels to avoid falling victim to rumours or inaccurate claims. The Directorate called on all stakeholders to sustain constructive dialogue, noting that collaboration has historically yielded far better results than agitation driven by misinformation.

According to PTAD, the implementation of the increments, the ongoing payment of arrears, and the wide-ranging presidential approvals secured this year all point to an administration determined to uphold the dignity, welfare and economic stability of Nigeria’s senior citizens. The Directorate maintained that its mandate remains unchanged: to protect and improve the welfare of every DBS pensioner under the Federal Government.