- ₦5.12 billion paid to retirees.
- Covers police, civil service, customs, immigration, prisons, and parastatals.
- Part of Tinubu’s welfare pledge.
The Federal Government has paid ₦5.12 billion in overdue pensions to nearly 91,000 retired workers.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this payment is part of broader welfare reforms announced by President Bola Tinubu, including free healthcare for low-income retirees, an increase in pension rates, and the introduction of a minimum pension guarantee.
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These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life for pensioners while clearing long-standing backlogs.
In a statement, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) confirmed the payment covered retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme across multiple sectors.
PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, explained that the arrears include one or two months of outstanding payments depending on the pension category.
The breakdown shows that 8,626 retirees from the Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Department each received one month’s arrears worth ₦276,032. In the Police Pension Department, 9,681 retirees got two months’ arrears at ₦619,584 each.
The Civil Service Pension Department paid one month’s arrears of ₦408,736 per person, while the Parastatals Pension Department settled two months’ arrears totaling ₦3,814,976 per pensioner.
Ajayi stressed that payments were made directly into pensioners’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and reduce the risk of fraud. He said the exercise aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes prompt and fair settlement of entitlements.
Eko Hot Blog also noted that the administration’s pension reforms are expected to bring lasting stability to the system. The proposed minimum pension guarantee is designed to shield pensioners from the harsh effects of inflation, while the free healthcare plan offers additional relief for those with limited means.
For many beneficiaries, this payout offers both financial relief and reassurance that the government is committed to honoring its obligations. Observers believe the move will boost confidence among current public servants, demonstrating that their service will be rewarded after retirement.
The ₦5.12 billion disbursement is among the largest lump-sum pension settlements in recent years and represents a significant step toward clearing the backlog of benefits owed to retired public workers.
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