A group, Concerned NEPA/PHCN Pensioners, has accused the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) of deliberately withholding their pension arrears.
The group made the allegation during an interview with reporters on Saturday in Lagos.
Its Chairman, Mr Oladimeji Dunmoye, alleged that PTAD was colluding with some individuals to delay the payment of the arrears.
Dunmoye said the Federal Government released funds for the payment in May 2026, yet many pensioners continue to face severe hardship, with some dying while awaiting their entitlements.
“We have credible information that the Federal Government released the funds in May 2026, yet payment has not commenced.
“We are asking PTAD to explain the delay and immediately commence disbursement,” he said.
The group’s Vice Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Oladotun, said the group had received several explanations for the delay, including ongoing verification and payroll synchronisation.
He described the continued postponement as “betrayal of the highest order,” noting that some colleagues have passed away while waiting for money already approved by the government.
Oladotun called on the Federal Ministry of Finance and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged delay and urged PTAD to commence payment with transparency.
He warned that the pensioners would embark on a peaceful protest at PTAD headquarters and state liaison offices if the payment is further delayed.
The group had previously protested over unpaid pension arrears in 2018 at PTAD’s Lagos Liaison Office at Tafawa Balewa Square, as well as in March 2021 and September 2022.
Reacting to the allegation, PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Olugbenga Ajayi, referred reporters to an earlier statement issued by the directorate.
The statement noted that the Federal Government, through PTAD, had successfully settled long-standing pension liabilities in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
It said the liabilities include N25,053,703,604.12 for 35 months of outstanding pension owed to 9,675 Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL.
The liabilities also include N9,481,886,576.53 as the initial 50 per cent payment of Back End Computation (BEC) arrears to 3,959 eligible Power Holding Company of Nigeria DBS pensioners.
Additionally, it includes N5,094,784,054.27 as the 50 per cent balance payment of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible DBS pensioners of defunct Assurance Bank, NICON, NITEL, and People’s Bank of Nigeria.
The statement thanked all affected DBS pensioners for their patience and reaffirmed PTAD’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and pensioner-centred service delivery.
PTAD remains dedicated to sustaining efficient, transparent, and pensioner-centred service delivery, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity and well-being of all DBS pensioners,” it said.
