Relief as PTAD Implements Pension Harmonisation Under Defined Benefit Scheme

Initiative aims to boost confidence in pension administration, strengthen welfare of federal pensioners, achieve pension equity

James Emejo in Abuja

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced the commencement of pension harmonisation for eligible pensioners under the Federal Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), with implementation taking effect from May 2026.

The directorate described the development as a major milestone in pension administration, noting that this was made possible following the approval of President Bola Tinubu in August 2025 for the inclusion of the proposed Pension Harmonisation policy in PTAD’s 2026 pension budget.

PTAD said the initiative aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda and aimed to address long-standing structural disparities in the administration of pensions under the DBS.