By Michael Oche
The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has called for a stakeholders’ meeting with the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to clarify pension harmonisation and facilitate the settlement of outstanding entitlements owed to retirees.
The association also called for regular consultations with PTAD to address complaints relating to pension payments, pension records, healthcare enrolment and other administrative issues affecting pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued after FEPPPAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and signed by its President-General, Elder Benjamin Maisamari Amako, and General Secretary, Mr Franklin Erinle.
On pension harmonisation, which took effect in January 2026, NEC-in-session expressed concern over the implementation process and called for further clarification of its terms and procedures.
The association urged the government to make available the circular guiding the exercise to clarify the basis for PTAD’s position, insisting that harmonisation should translate into increased monthly pension benefits for all pensioners.
It also appealed to the managements of self-funding organisations, including aviation agencies, to be magnanimous in harmonising the pensions of their retirees.
FEPPPAN said regular engagement with PTAD would provide a platform for pensioners to obtain explanations on policy decisions and programmes affecting their welfare, while enabling the timely resolution of complaints.
It proposed structured stakeholder meetings at mutually agreed intervals, supported by a system for documenting complaints, tracking unresolved cases and communicating progress to affected pensioners.
The association further urged PTAD to provide clear information on the requirements for accessing pension-related services and the procedures for resolving complaints, particularly for elderly, sick and physically incapacitated retirees who might require additional assistance.
On outstanding entitlements, NEC-in-session called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to expedite the payment of all verified pension arrears and other benefits owed to eligible retirees.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely payment of monthly pensions to DBS pensioners, urging him to sustain the record and ensure that entitlements were paid promptly and without interruption.
It appealed to the President to direct the immediate payment of the three months’ N25,000 subsidy-removal palliative for vulnerable citizens.
On healthcare, FEPPPAN called on PTAD, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), to ensure that eligible pensioners could access the Pensioner Health Insurance Scheme through a simple, seamless and inclusive enrolment process.
The association expressed concern that administrative and technological barriers could prevent some retirees, particularly elderly, sick and physically incapacitated pensioners, from completing enrolment and accessing healthcare benefits.
It urged the authorities to introduce assisted registration, accessible physical enrolment facilities and other support mechanisms for pensioners unable to travel because of age, illness or disability.
FEPPPAN also called for a mechanism to identify eligible pensioners who had yet to enrol and assist them in completing the process, stressing that no retiree should be denied access to healthcare because of difficulties with registration, verification or other administrative procedures.
Ahead of the planned relaunch of the I Am Alive pension verification platform, the association urged PTAD to maintain continuous engagement with pensioners and put measures in place to ensure that no eligible retiree was excluded.
It stressed that effective communication and appropriate support would help pensioners comply with verification requirements without unnecessary difficulties.
FEPPPAN reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, PTAD and other relevant institutions to promote transparent and efficient pension administration.
The association maintained that pensioners who had completed their years of service to the nation deserved a retirement marked by dignity, financial security and access to essential services.
