The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has begun the payment of ₦3.9 billion in pension arrears to 91,146 retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme. 

The disbursement targets federal pensioners who had been owed various outstanding balances after past verification and harmonisation exercises. 

According to PTAD, the arrears cover shortfalls identified during audits of payrolls inherited from defunct pension offices. The directorate says the payment is part of ongoing efforts to clean up pension records and restore confidence among senior citizens who depend on monthly stipends for survival.

Pension advocacy groups have welcomed the move but insist that government must ensure consistent funding of PTAD so that arrears do not pile up again.

They also call for faster complaint-resolution channels, noting that many retirees struggle with documentation issues, name mismatches and delays at bank level.