Federal Government pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) have welcomed the disbursement of N55.9 billion by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in December 2025, describing it as a major relief after months of uncertainty and financial strain.
The pensioners, drawn from various pension departments, said the payment, which covered monthly pensions and outstanding arrears, had restored hope to thousands of retirees battling rising living and healthcare costs.
PTAD had announced that the N55.9 billion disbursement addressed arrears arising from the N32,000 pension increment, as well as percentage increases of 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent across eligible pensioners.
Several retirees who confirmed receipt of the arrears said the funds helped ease financial pressure during the festive season, allowing them to meet pressing needs.
“For the first time in a long while, many of us were able to breathe in December. The arrears helped us settle medical bills and family obligations,” a retired civil servant under the Civil Service Pension Department (CSPD) said.
While commending the Federal Government and PTAD for the payment, the pensioners appealed for the swift settlement of the few outstanding arrears to ensure all retirees fully benefit from the approved increases.
They stressed that timely and consistent pension payments are critical for the welfare of senior citizens, especially amid inflation and increasing healthcare expenses.
