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Tag: Tolulope Odunaiya

  • Odunaiya urges pension unions to strengthen dialogue, safeguard pensioners’ dignity

    Odunaiya urges pension unions to strengthen dialogue, safeguard pensioners’ dignity

    The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya has held an urgent meeting with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) to address concerns about a planned protest by a faction of the Pensioner Unions.

    The meeting, which included PTAD senior management, aimed to reinforce unified communication and ensure the protection of Pensioners’ welfare and dignity.

    The Executive Secretary reaffirmed PTAD’s partnership with recognised Unions and highlighted key achievements, including the implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage pension increment, 10.66 per cent, 12.95per cent approved pension increments, and securing a N45 billion emergency budgetary allocation for implementation and payment of arrears.

    She further clarified that the widely discussed N25,000 palliative is under the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, not PTAD but confirmed that PTAD is following up with the Ministry and will provide updates when available.

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    She also cautioned that the proposed protest, particularly its planned “naked” demonstration could undermine the ongoing efforts being made to improve the welfare of pensioners.

    The NUP and FEPPPAN leaders who disassociated themselves from the protest, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful dialogue, and encouraged Pensioners to channel their concerns through recognised structures.

    The Executive Secretary acknowledged their feedback and reiterated PTAD’s commitment to improved communication, structured engagement, while upholding the dignity and well-being of all Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme.

  • Directorate implements N32,000 pension hike

    Directorate implements N32,000 pension hike

    • •Fed Govt. releases N20.188billion

    Pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS) can now smile to the bank as the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) began the payment of N32,000, 10.66 per cent and 12.95per cent pension increment in the September 2025 pension payroll cycle.

    This followed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the emergency budgetary allocation for the payment of the new pension increment rates for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (DBS).

    The directorate was able to secure a partial release of N20.188 billion from the N45 billion approved by the President.

    The Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya made this known in a statement obtained by The Nation.

    She said: “This achievement has been made possible through the partial release of N20.188 billion, by the Federal Ministry of Finance, from the initial N45 billion emergency funding approval granted by the Federal Government. This milestone clearly reaffirms the Federal Government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare and entitlements of DBS pensioners in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “PTAD expresses profound appreciation to the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the emergency funding allocation to implement the pension increments as well as other landmark reforms that are certain to enhance the welfare of the beneficiaries and redefine the future of the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pension administration.

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    “We also acknowledge the unflinching support of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, Dr Zacch A. Adedeji; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen B. Ogunjimi, the Senate Committee on Establishment & Public Service, the House Committee on Pensions, and other stakeholders too numerous to mention. Their commitment, timely interventions, tireless disposition, partnership and coordinated efforts have been instrumental in ensuring that this day, when the DBS Pensioners will begin to enjoy this enhanced pension payment, is realised”.

    She expressed appreciation to the national leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), for their cooperation, understanding, constructive discussion, collaboration and perseverance while the Executive Secretary and Management of PTAD worked diligently to secure the release of funds.

    Odunaiya further assured all DBS pensioners and stakeholders that the Directorate will continue to collaborate with the relevant authorities towards release of the outstanding approved funds and subsequent fulfillment of all future obligations relating to the pension increments and the landmark reforms.

  • Fed Govt okays health insurance for pensioners

    Fed Govt okays health insurance for pensioners

    The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya, yesterday said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the implementation of a health insurance scheme for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

    Odunaiya announced this during the directorate’s 2025 budget performance presentation before the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions.

    The Executive Secretary said the agency had seamlessly implemented the 28 per cent pension increment approved by the Federal Government in 2024 for the pensioners and settled the 35 months of pension arrears for NITEL/MTEL retirees.

    She told the lawmakers that even though it had concluded the payment of arrears to over 155,000 pensioners, it was facing eviction from its Maitama office and struggling with vendor payments.

    Odunaiya explained that out of about N128.9 billion appropriated for pensions this year, N62.7 billion was released in June, while N56.6 billion had been utilised.

    According to her, no allocation was made for gratuities in the current year due to an oversight.

    The PTAD chief stated that despite the prevailing situation, the agency continued to meet its pension obligations and was working with the Federal Government to address unfunded liabilities and other challenges.

    She also announced that N25 billion was appropriated for unfunded pension liabilities in 2025, with N13 billion released and N8.7 billion so far utilised.

    “On personnel expenditure, N2.4 billion was appropriated for 2025, of which N1.09 billion has been released and fully utilised. Overhead costs recorded N1.49 billion in appropriations, with N434 million released and N334 million expended by mid-year. Capital expenditure of N820 million has yet to be implemented due to delays arising from the bottom-up cash flow management policy and the extension of the 2024 capital budget to December 2025,” she said.

    The Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Hussaini Jallo, advised the agency to address gratuity provisions, capital project implementation, and compliance with Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) requirements, ahead of its 2026 budget defence.

    The lawmaker applauded PTAD for its steady progress in implementing pension reforms and improving the welfare of retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

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    He also praised the agency for what he called its “tangible efforts to safeguard the welfare of pensioners”.

    Jallo noted that the directorate had consistently demonstrated commitment to accountability and service delivery.

    The committee chairman reminded PTAD of the need to embrace CSR as part of its plans.

    He promised that the committee would ensure CSR provisions are reflected in the 2026 budget of all pension-related agencies.

    “Corporate social responsibility is not just about compliance; it’s about giving back. As we move into the 2026 budget year, we want to see CSR captured by all pension agencies, including PTAD,” Jallo said.

    The committee chairman assured pensioners that the National Assembly was committed to protecting their rights and ensuring prompt payment of entitlements.

    He promised that the committee would continue to work closely with PTAD to resolve outstanding issues. He also pledged continued oversight support and PTAD, expressing gratitude for the House Committee’s guidance and collaboration.

    Citing sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 81 of the House Standing Orders, Jallo reiterated that the committee was mandated to conduct strict oversight on all pension-related matters.

    “The House has directed us to carry out a thorough oversight of pension agencies. Activities in 2026 will not be business as usual. We will enforce accountability and ensure pensioners get what is due to them,” he added.

  • Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners get reforms, others

    Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners get reforms, others

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a series of far-reaching measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Tolulope Odunaiya, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has said.

    Odunaiya made this known in a statement made available to journalist.

    She said the Directorate had earlier made a formal submission to the Presidency, requesting the President’s consideration for an emergency budgetary allocation to implement key pension reforms and welfare benefits, including Implementation of New Pension Rates that comprises of N32,000 pension increment; 10.66per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment for pensioners of Defunct and Privatized Agencies.

    She also requested for pension harmonization for all DBS pensioners; Enrolment of DBS pensioners into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS); and Settlement of accrued unfunded pension liabilities owed to pensioners of the defunct Agencies and Treasury-Funded Parastatals.

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    The PTAD ES stated that following this request, President Tinubu magnanimously approvedfor immediate implementation: Additional budgetary allocation for the full implementation of the new pension rates; and Adoption of the proposed Pension Harmonization policy for DBS Pensioners in the 2026 Pension Budget.

    Others are provision of health insurance coverage for all DBS pensioners under the 2026 pension budget; and Inclusion of the balance of inherited unfunded pension liabilities owed to pensioners of NITEL/MTEL and accrued pension arrears of other parastatal pensioners in the 2026 Budget Proposal.

    She expressed profound appreciation to the President for the historic approvals, noting that it reflects his steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s Senior citizens, also citing it as a turning point in DBS Pension Administration.

    “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 DBS”, she stated.

    Odunaiya noted that the reforms will be implemented in phases in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

    She assured that PTAD reassures all DBS pensioners of its continued dedication and unwavering commitment to their welfare.

  • PTAD chief praises Ikeazor’s legacies of verification, electronic payment, others

    PTAD chief praises Ikeazor’s legacies of verification, electronic payment, others

    The Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Odunaiya has praised her predecessor, Sharon Ikeazor’s legacies of verification of pensioners, introduction of electronic monthly pension payment, arrears, establishment of pensioners database, among others.

    She spoke when the former Executive Secretary, Ikeazor paid a courtesy visit to the Directorate to show support.

    Ikeazor held a meeting with the new ES, Ms Odunaiya and commended the staff members for their excellent work.

    They toured the Directorate. Odunaiya, however, expressed her gratitude for the foundation laid by her predecessors.

    The ES remarked that the visit was an honour and a testament to the lasting legacy of  Ikeazor’s leadership and commitment to public service.

    According to her, this has contributed to PTAD’s continued success.

    Odunaiya reiterated that PTAD will improve on the welfare of pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

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    She said: “Our overall success is not just as the result of deploying information technology, more critically it has been as a result of political will and strong support from the current administration and key stakeholders; strategic and strong leadership at the helm of PTAD; efficient and effective deployment of available of resources and human capital, and the investment in human capital development; creativity, initiative, passion, commitment and empathy of management and staff; and collaboration and support from pensioners and their union representatives.

    “The Directorate’s ‘I AM ALIVE Confirmation Solution’ has been slated for database cleanup. Launched April 2023, so far 50,553 have been confirmed ‘Alive’.

    “There will be improved welfare of the DBS pensioners, including access to health insurance for pensioners; increased coverage across Nigeria – opening more state offices; harmonisation of pensions to enable pensioners who retired on the same grade level and step under the same organisation at different years earn a unified pension for equity; and implement constitutional provision of five yearly pension increment due in 2024.’’