President Bola Tinubu has approved a series of measures to clear pension backlogs and introduce new welfare benefits for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) announced on Friday.
The approval follows a formal request by PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, seeking an emergency budgetary allocation to implement pension reforms and welfare benefits for the scheme’s retirees.
A statement from PTAD read, “The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate is pleased to announce that His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, has approved a series of far-reaching measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of Defined Benefit Scheme Pensioners, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Recall that the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, had earlier made a formal submission to the Presidency, requesting His Excellency’s consideration for an emergency budgetary allocation to implement key pension reforms and welfare benefits.”
The measures include a N32,000 pension increment, percentage increases for pensioners of defunct and privatised agencies, pension harmonisation for all DBS pensioners, enrolment into the National Health Insurance Scheme, and the settlement of long-standing unfunded pension liabilities.
In the statement signed by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications Unit, Olugbenga Ajayi, the directorate said the President had given the green light for additional budgetary allocation to fully implement the new pension rates, adoption of the harmonisation policy in the 2026 pension budget, and health insurance coverage for all DBS pensioners under the 2026 budget.
The statement added that the balance of inherited unfunded pension liabilities owed to NITEL/MTEL pensioners, as well as arrears owed to other parastatal pensioners, will also be included in the 2026 budget proposal.
Odunaiya described the approvals as a turning point for DBS pension administration and a reflection of the President’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
“These approvals are a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on equity, social justice, and the dignity of our Pensioners.
“Additionally, it cements the position of Mr. President as the leader who ushered a new era of far-reaching and impactful welfare benefits for Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme,” the statement quoted her as saying.
The PTAD boss also expressed gratitude to the President for what the statement called “historic approvals”, noting that the reforms will address long-standing disparities in pension rates and improve access to healthcare for retirees.
According to her, the measures will be implemented in phases in collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure smooth execution.
The directorate assured pensioners that it remains committed to their welfare and will continue to prioritise initiatives that protect their rights and improve their quality of life.
“PTAD reassures all DBS Pensioners of its continued dedication and unwavering commitment to their welfare,” the statement read.
The DBS covers pensioners who retired before the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2004, including those from defunct public institutions, privatised agencies, and treasury-funded parastatals.
Over the years, many have faced irregular payments, delayed harmonisation, and inadequate healthcare access, challenges that the new reforms are expected to address.
The Punch
