Nigeria Pays N13.87 Billion in Pension Arrears to Retirees

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) disbursed N13.87 billion in outstanding pension increment arrears to 18,822 retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme. The payments were approved by President Bola Tinubu and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to resolve pension anomalies and improve the welfare of senior citizens.

Of the total amount, N9.42 billion was paid to 7,391 pensioners of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria to cover 65 months of arrears from June 2021 to October 2026, following a 13.8 per cent increase. An additional N4.46 billion was distributed to 11,431 pensioners from five other government-linked organizations, including NITEL/MTEL and NICON Insurance, covering 22 months of arrears from January 2025 to October 2026 based on a 20.55 per cent increase.

PTAD officials stated the intervention is part of a broader Federal Government effort to ensure the timely payment of entitlements. The adjustments were formally approved via a commission circular dated January 14, 2026.