By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA – The Parliamentary Support Group (PSG) has commended the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Tolulope Abiodun Odunaiya, for implementing a 20% pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The increase, backdated to January 2024, represents a significant milestone in pension reform and marks the first time such an adjustment has been made without protests.

Odunaiya also introduced a ₦32,000 minimum pension in July 2024, positively impacting beneficiaries across the country.

In a statement issued by PSG President Comrade Charles Abakpa, the group praised Odunaiya’s exceptional leadership and her alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for pension reform.

The statement highlighted her transparency and accountability during her recent budget defence session at the National Assembly, where she outlined PTAD’s budget and its focus on improving pensioners’ welfare.

Abakpa stated, “Odunaiya has also launched innovative initiatives, including the I Am Alive confirmation program, which ensures the integrity of PTAD’s database at minimal cost. This program has been instrumental in ascertaining pensioners’ aliveness, preventing fraudulent activities, and promoting transparency.

“Under her stewardship, PTAD has consistently made timely payments of monthly pensions and inherited unfunded liabilities, demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of pensioners.

“She has also facilitated the payment of arrears to some batches of pensioners, in line with approval from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission.

“Additionally, she has ensured the payment of gratuities and death benefits to pensioners and Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners, respectively.

“Notably, she has secured a 20% pension increase for DBS pensioners, backdated to January 2024, which has brought relief to many beneficiaries. This increase is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time such an increase has been paid to pensioners without protests.

“Furthermore, she introduced a minimum pension of ₦32,000, approved in July 2024, which has also positively impacted several beneficiaries.

“These initiatives reflect President Tinubu’s love and commitment to ensuring pensioners in the country are supported and their rights protected and promoted.”