In a major boost for Nigerian retirees, the Federal Government has disbursed N3.9 billion in accrued pension arrears to 91,146 pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme,DBS,through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).
The payout follows the N32,000 pension increase recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, bringing long-awaited financial relief to thousands of retired public workers across the country.
According to PTAD, the arrears were released across all major pension categories Parastatals, Civil Service, Police, Customs, Immigration, and Prisons marking a significant step in the government’s efforts to clear outstanding obligations and improve retirees’ welfare under the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Breakdown of the N3.9bn Disbursement
Parastatals Pension Department: N1.9 billion to 59,865 pensioners
Civil Service Pensioners: N830 million to 12,976 beneficiaries
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Police Pension Department: N620 million to 9,689 retirees
Customs, Immigration & Prisons Pension Department: N551 million to 8,616 pensioners
In a statement, PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, quoted the agency’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, as reaffirming the government’s commitment to clearing arrears and strengthening pension administration.
Odunaiya said the completion of the payment “clearly demonstrates the administration’s dedication to improving pensioners’ welfare,” noting that retirees who have waited patiently for their entitlements deserve dignity, financial stability, and consistent support.
She added:
“Our pensioners deserve timely payment, and we are working to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left behind. This is part of our ongoing strategy to eliminate arrears and enhance transparency in the pension system.”
Odunaiya further assured that PTAD will continue to monitor payment processes to ensure every eligible pensioner receives their arrears promptly. She described the latest disbursement as “a significant step forward”, but emphasized that the agency remains focused on building a pension structure that offers sustained, reliable support to retirees nationwide.
