By Reportcircle Abuja
In the wake of heated media chatter and threats of a nationwide protest by a little-known group calling itself the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has broken its silence and the facts are louder than the noise.
With precise figures, presidential approvals, and a record of service difficult to dispute, PTAD has moved to set the record straight and reassure millions of retirees that the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare is not only intact but actively being delivered.
Contrary to claims of non-payment, PTAD confirmed that the ₦32,000, 10.66%, and 12.95% pension increments were fully implemented beginning September 2025, following an emergency budget approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the release of funds by the Ministry of Finance.
The increment, PTAD reaffirmed, is already reflected in monthly pension payrolls and continues to be paid without interruption, a significant achievement given the country’s fiscal strain.
“This development reaffirms the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to DBS pensioners under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Directorate said.
While awaiting full release of approved emergency funds, PTAD has been paying accrued arrears in tranches, strictly based on available resources.
The Directorate released a department-by-department breakdown:
Department Months Paid Months Outstanding
PPD 13 0
CSPD 6 7
PaPD 7 6
CIPPD 11 2
The figures confirm measurable progress and contradict allegations of abandonment.
PTAD also reminded stakeholders that earlier this year, its comprehensive proposal to the Presidency received full approval, including:
1. Pension Increments (₦32,000 / 10.66% / 12.95%)
Already implemented and being paid.
2. Pension Harmonization Policy (2026 Implementation)
A landmark reform to ensure fairness and uniformity across all DBS pension classes.
3. NHIS Coverage for All DBS Pensioners (2026 Budget)
For the first time, federal pensioners will be covered under a national health insurance framework.
4. Settlement of Unfunded Liabilities to Defunct Agencies
Including NITEL/MTEL and other treasury-funded parastatals — all captured in the 2026 Federal Budget proposal.
Despite the magnitude of these approvals, PTAD noted that some groups deliberately downplay or distort progress.
The Directorate highlighted its decade-long record as one of the most reform-driven public institutions:
₦1.002 trillion paid in monthly pensions from 2015 to October 2025.
Full digitization of pension records using BVN/NIN, eliminating thousands of ghost entries.
The groundbreaking “I Am Alive” platform enabling remote verification.
Resolution of inherited arrears across Civil Service, Parastatals, Police, Customs, Immigration, and Prisons pension departments.
Transparent engagement with recognized unions — NUP and FEPPPAN.
These milestones, PTAD insists, are acknowledged by the mainstream pension community in sharp contrast to the claims of fringe groups.
PTAD minced no words in addressing the sudden emergence of the “Coalition of Federal Pensioners,” a group it says is not recognized by established pension unions.
According to the Directorate, the Coalition based its planned protests on misinformation including a false claim that arrears would be cleared within two weeks of federal approval.
“It must be clarified,” PTAD stressed, “that the ₦25,000 palliative is not under PTAD’s mandate.” That responsibility lies with a separate agency under the government’s Social Safety Net Programme.
Recognized unions NUP and FEPPPAN are fully aware of this, and have been engaging the government appropriately.
PTAD appealed to pensioners to rely solely on official communication channels, urging stakeholders to sustain constructive engagement not confrontation.
“We remain committed to paying all outstanding arrears once additional funds are released,” the Directorate assured.
In its closing statement, PTAD reaffirmed its mandate:
“To safeguard and improve the welfare of every DBS pensioner.”
From pension increments already implemented, to arrears being cleared, to far-reaching 2026 reforms, the Directorate insists that the Federal Government under President Tinubu is firmly delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda for senior citizens.
And as debates continue, PTAD’s message is unmistakable:
Progress is real. Payments are ongoing. Reforms are active.
No misinformation or fringe agitation will derail the welfare of Nigeria’s retirees.
