President Tinubu has approved ₦32,000 pension increase and health insurance for retirees under DBS Scheme.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved sweeping reforms to improve the welfare of Nigerian pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), including a ₦32,000 monthly pension increment, harmonisation of pension rates, and inclusion in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) announced the development on Friday, stating that the reforms followed a formal request by its Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, for emergency budgetary intervention to support pensioners across various sectors.
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Highlights of the New Pension Reforms:
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₦32,000 flat increase for DBS pensioners
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Additional 10.66% and 12.95% increments for retirees of defunct and privatised agencies
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Pension harmonisation across all DBS pensioners
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Inclusion in NHIS to provide healthcare coverage for all retirees
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Payment of outstanding liabilities, including to ex-NITEL/MTEL staff and other treasury-funded parastatal retirees
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Additional allocation in the 2026 budget for full implementation of the reforms
According to PTAD, these measures will be rolled out in phases in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies.
“These approvals are a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on our senior citizens. They mark the beginning of a new era of far-reaching welfare benefits for DBS pensioners,” said Odunaiya.
She described the development as a “turning point” in Nigeria’s pension administration, praising the president’s commitment to equity, social justice, and the dignity of senior citizens.
Implementation and Outlook
PTAD assured pensioners that implementation would be phased and transparent, with collaboration from the Budget Office, Ministry of Finance, and other key agencies. The reforms are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of retired civil servants who fall under the legacy Defined Benefit Scheme.
