In a significant development for retired Nigerian workers, the Federal Government has cleared a substantial pension backlog totaling N3.9 billion. The payment brings much-needed relief to thousands of elderly citizens who have been waiting for their entitlements.
Massive Disbursement Across Pension Departments
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) executed the payment on behalf of the Federal Government, reaching 91,146 eligible pensioners enrolled in the Defined Benefit Scheme. This disbursement represents part of the N32,000 pension increment authorized by President Bola Tinubu, demonstrating the administration's commitment to pensioner welfare.
The breakdown of payments reveals comprehensive coverage across multiple pension departments. The Parastatals Pension Department received the largest share, with N1.9 billion distributed to 59,865 pensioners. Civil Service pensioners followed with N830 million allocated to 12,976 individuals.
Security sector retirees also benefited significantly from the exercise. Police pensioners collected N620 million covering 9,689 beneficiaries, while personnel from Customs, Immigration, and Prisons received N551 million distributed among 8,616 retirees.
Government's Commitment to Pensioner Welfare
PTAD's Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, emphasized the Federal Government's dedication to resolving outstanding pension obligations. Through the agency's Corporate Communications head, Olugbenga Ajayi, Odunaiya stated that the completed payment clearly demonstrates the administration's commitment to improving pensioners' welfare under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
"Our pensioners deserve timely payment, and we are working to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left behind," Odunaiya affirmed. "This is part of our ongoing strategy to eliminate arrears and enhance transparency in pension administration."
Towards Sustainable Pension Management
The Executive Secretary further stressed that these payments reflect the government's efforts to restore dignity and financial security to retirees who have patiently awaited their legitimate entitlements. While acknowledging this payment as a significant step forward, she reassured that the agency remains committed to maintaining a system that guarantees consistent support for retirees nationwide.
"We remain focused on ensuring timely and consistent payment of pensions across all departments," Odunaiya added, indicating the government's determination to prevent future accumulation of pension backlogs.
This development marks a positive shift in Nigeria's pension administration landscape, offering hope to retired workers who dedicated their productive years to public service. The transparent breakdown of disbursements across departments also signals improved accountability in handling pension matters.
