Several Nigerian pensioners have raised fresh concerns over unpaid arrears, delayed stipends, and verification challenges, prompting responses from the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate.
A pensioner from Plateau State, Wadak, lamented the non-payment of his N32,000 arrears despite being entitled under the new pension increment.
However, PTAD later confirmed that the payment had been received at the time of filing the report.
Other pensioners, including some who requested anonymity, complained about outstanding pension increment arrears, citing worsening health conditions and financial hardship. PTAD noted that attempts to reach some of the complainants for further clarification were unsuccessful due to lack of contact details.
In another case, a group of pensioners under the Parastatals Pension Department (PaPD), receiving payments through Fidelity Bank, reported delays in the disbursement of their December pensions and arrears. PTAD acknowledged the issue, assuring that affected pensioners would be paid soon as efforts were underway to resolve the failed transactions.
Concerns were also raised over the silence of PTAD leadership regarding prolonged arrears and implementation timelines for the N32,000 pension increase. The agency, however, stated that some complaints lacked sufficient details required for investigation.
Responding to inquiries, PTAD clarified that pensioners from defunct organisations such as NITEL, PHCN, and others are excluded from the N32,000 pension increment.
On verification issues, a pensioner identified as Rapheal reported difficulties completing the “I Am Alive” confirmation process, with PTAD stating it could not reach him for further assistance.
Meanwhile, a Nigerian Air Force pensioner questioned the exclusion of military retirees from recently cleared pension backlogs. PTAD clarified that military pensioners do not fall under its Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), and therefore are not covered by its payments.
The development highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s pension system, as retirees continue to grapple with delays, policy gaps, and administrative bottlenecks.
