The Federal Government has commenced the payment of a ₦32,000 monthly pension increment to retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), with the adjustment already reflected in the September 2025 payroll.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) announced the implementation on Tuesday, confirming that the package benefits approximately 832,000 pensioners nationwide.
The new payment also includes percentage increases of 10.66% and 12.95% for other eligible categories.
PTAD explained that the funding was made possible through the partial release of ₦820.188 billion from the Federal Ministry of Finance, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an emergency budgetary allocation for pension reforms.
In a statement, PTAD emphasized that this “milestone reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The approved measures go beyond the direct ₦32,000 hike. They also include the harmonization of pensions across all DBS retirees, the inclusion of pensioners in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and the settlement of long-standing unfunded liabilities.
PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, whose request secured the emergency funding, noted that these reforms are critical for tackling recurring pensioner challenges such as irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access.
The directorate expressed its appreciation to President Tinubu, Finance Minister Wale Edun, and other key officials and lawmakers for their “timely interventions.” PTAD also commended organized pension groups, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, for their cooperation.
PTAD assured the public that it will continue collaborating with relevant authorities to secure the release of the remaining funds from the total ₦845 billion emergency package to ensure the sustainability of the increments and the full delivery of all promised reforms.
The DBS covers public sector workers who retired before the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced in 2004.