Pensioners hail Tinubu, PTAD over N1.73b arrears payment
Pensioners across the country have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the management of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) following the clearance of N1.73 billion pension arrears owed to
Pensioners across the country have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the management of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) following the clearance of N1.73 billion pension arrears owed to over 54,000 retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
The retirees, many of whom had waited months for the final tranche of the N32,000 increment arrears, described the development as a welcome relief amid rising living costs.
In separate reactions, pensioners’ groups said the payment has restored confidence in government’s commitment to their welfare, noting that the completion of the 13-month arrears signaled a departure from the delays that had characterised pension administration in the past.
A retired civil servant under the Parastatals Pension Department, Isaac Komolafe in Lagos, said the payment would go a long way in easing financial pressures.
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He commended PTAD for what he called a transparent and consistent approach in settling the arrears in phases.
“We are grateful that the government did not abandon this obligation midway. Completing the payment shows seriousness and respect for those who have served the country,” he said.
Similarly, another pensioner, Chike Anagonye under the Tertiary Education and Health Pension Department praised the Executive Secretary of PTAD for ensuring that the process was concluded without unnecessary delays. They noted that the steady disbursement of the arrears over the past year had helped many retirees meet essential needs.
National coordinator of a pensioners’ advocacy group, Ibrahim Tukur,praised the ongoing reforms in the pension sector.
According to him, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated renewed attention to the plight of pensioners, urging the government to sustain the momentum.
While expressing appreciation, some retirees appealed for further upward review of pensions to reflect current economic realities, stressing that periodic adjustments are necessary to maintain their standard of living.
PTAD had earlier announced the disbursement of N1.734 billion to 54,206 pensioners, marking the final settlement of arrears arising from the N32,000 increment approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
With the latest payment, beneficiaries under both the Parastatals and Tertiary Education and Health Pension Departments have now received the full 13 months of arrears due to them.
For many pensioners, the development is more than just a financial settlement, it is a reassurance that their years of service have not been forgotten.
