FG Disburses N5.12 Billion Pension Arrears to 90,689 DBS Pensioners as Part of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disbursed N5.12 billion in pension arrears to 90,689 beneficiaries under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), according to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). The payments cover various sectors, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, Police, Civil Service, and Parastatals pension departments, reflecting the government’s commitment to fulfilling pension obligations.

This disbursement follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of extensive reforms aimed at improving the welfare of DBS pensioners. The reforms include new pension rates, harmonisation policies, and expanded health insurance coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), aligning with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

PTAD confirmed that the pension arrears payments reinforce the administration’s dedication to ensuring timely and adequate pension payments for senior citizens. The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, described the reforms as ushering in a new era of pension management in Nigeria, with an emphasis on senior citizens’ welfare.

The reforms feature a new pension rate of N32,000 and incremental increases for pensioners from defunct and privatised agencies. These measures are expected to be incorporated into the 2026 pension budget and include immediate budget allocations to support the changes.

Earlier in June 2025, PTAD had disbursed N8.6 billion in arrears to 148,625 DBS pensioners, reflecting previous pension increments approved by the President. The continued payments and reforms demonstrate the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilise and modernise Nigeria’s pension system.

Source: Nairametrics