The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has commenced implementation of newly approved pension increases for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), with adjustments taking effect from the September 2025 payroll.
PTAD announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, confirming that about 832,000 pensioners will benefit. The package includes a fixed N32,000 increase alongside percentage adjustments of 10.66% and 12.95% for eligible categories.
The reforms follow President Bola Tinubu’s approval in August of an emergency budgetary allocation to enhance pensioner welfare. PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, had earlier requested the funding to address long-standing pension liabilities and expand welfare support.
According to the directorate, the Federal Ministry of Finance has released N820.2 billion of the N845 billion approved, enabling immediate payment of the increments. Other measures in the package include pension harmonisation across DBS categories, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and settlement of arrears owed to retirees of defunct and privatised agencies.
PTAD said the move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of pensioners under its “Renewed Hope” agenda. The agency expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Accountant-General, and key committees for facilitating the release of funds.
It also acknowledged the cooperation of pension unions, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria, during negotiations.
PTAD assured retirees that it would continue working with relevant authorities to secure outstanding funds and sustain future obligations.
The DBS covers workers who retired before the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced in 2004.