By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE FEDERAL Government has commenced the implementation of a new N32,000 pension increment for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), with effect from the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) confirmed that the increment package also includes additional percentage adjustments of 10.66 percent and 12.95 percent, which are now in force for pensioners covered under the scheme.
According to the Directorate, the development followed the approval of an emergency budgetary allocation by President Bola Tinubu, as announced in August 2025.
PTAD explained that the initiative was made possible after the Federal Ministry of Finance released ₦20.188 billion out of the approved N45 billion earmarked for the pension review.
PTAD stated that the pension increment reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and entitlements of retirees in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Directorate said: “This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of N20.188 billion by the Federal Ministry of Finance from the initial N45 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government.
This milestone clearly reaffirms the FG’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
PTAD expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the emergency allocation, which it said has enabled the Directorate to implement the long-awaited pension increments.
The Directorate added that the support of key government officials and institutions was instrumental in achieving the release of funds and ensuring the smooth rollout of the enhanced payments.
The Directorate acknowledged the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Zacch Adedeji; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi.
PTAD said their interventions, partnership, and coordinated efforts were crucial to realising the increment.
The statement also recognised the role of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, the House Committee on Pensions, and other stakeholders described as “too numerous to mention” for their collaborative contributions.
PTAD further commended the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) for their understanding, constructive discussions, and cooperation throughout the process.
The Directorate said their patience and collaboration were vital to securing the release of funds and facilitating the pension enhancement.
The Directorate assured retirees and stakeholders that it will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that the outstanding balance from the approved emergency allocation is released and that future obligations related to pension increments and reforms are met.
“We further assure all our DBS pensioners and stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate towards the release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfilment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms,” PTAD said.
The pension increment, as PTAD noted, marks the implementation of the revised rates announced earlier in August 2025.
The Directorate reaffirmed that the adjustment would enhance the welfare of retirees and redefine the future administration of the Defined Benefit Scheme.
The initiative, backed by the FG’s emergency funding, is aimed at addressing long-standing concerns of pensioners under the DBS while reinforcing the administration’s pledge to improve their livelihood.
PTAD concluded by assuring all pensioners that their welfare remains a top priority in ongoing reforms.
