Tinubu Approves ₦32,000 Pension Hike, Health Insurance for Retirees Under DBS Scheme

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved major reforms to improve the welfare of Nigerian pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), including a ₦32,000 monthly pension increase, harmonisation of rates, and inclusion in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) announced the development on Friday, following a formal request by its Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, for emergency budgetary intervention to support retirees across sectors.

Key highlights of the reforms include:

• ₦32,000 flat monthly increase for DBS pensioners.
• Additional 10.66% and 12.95% increments for retirees of defunct and privatised agencies.
• Harmonisation of pension rates across the DBS category.
• Inclusion of all DBS pensioners in NHIS for healthcare coverage.
• Payment of outstanding liabilities to ex-NITEL/MTEL staff and other treasury-funded parastatal retirees.

PTAD described the approval as a “turning point” in pension administration, noting that the measures will be implemented in phases in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, and other key agencies.

“These approvals are a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on our senior citizens,” Odunaiya said. “They mark the beginning of a new era of welfare benefits for DBS pensioners.”

The reforms are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of retired civil servants, many of whom have endured years of stagnant pensions and inadequate healthcare. Full implementation is slated for inclusion in the 2026 budget.