News
FG Pays N23bn To Pensioners In Three Months
About N22.45billion was paid to pensioners by the Federal Government under the Defined Benefit Scheme between January and March this year.
Figures obtained from the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate showed that the amount was paid to pensioners that were confirmed as genuine retirees after the recent verification.
An analysis of the amount showed that N6.66billion was paid to civil service pensioners; N12.25billion to parastatal pensioners; N1.86billion to the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office; and N1.68billion for police pensioners.
Statistics from PTAD showed that during the three month period, N2.21billion was paid in January to 111,525 civil service pensioners and 219 retired permanent secretaries and head of service; N2.2billion was paid in February to 111,507 civil service pensioners and 218 retired permanent secretaries while N2.2billion was paid in March to 111, 484 civil service pensioners.
For civil servants under the Treasury Funded Parastatals Pension Department, the sum of N2.12billion was paid to 111,525 pensioners in January; in February and March, they had N2.21billion and N2.2billion, respectively.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Secretary, PTAD, Sharon Ikeazor, said that the Federal Government had yet to clear the outstanding 33 per cent arrears for civil service pensioners (12 months outstanding), parastatal pensioners (18-36 months outstanding) and police (12 months outstanding).
She said the directorate had been doing everything possible to clear the outstanding pensions, adding that the arrears of paramilitary pensioners had been cleared in full.
The PTAD boss said that the agency was implementing a comprehensive data management system.
Ikeazor said under the data management system, over 19,000 pensioners whose accounts did not have the required Bank Verification Number were identified and suspended from the government payroll.
She added that the pensioners that were suspended for lack of the BVN would only be reinstated after providing their BVN and undergoing due verification.
She said a continuous quality assurance process would be applied to identify any unqualified pensioner on the pension database.
Apart from the 19,000 pensioners without the BVN, Ikeazor said that about 22,021 who did not show up during the nationwide verification had been suspended from the payroll.
She said: “PTAD has successfully added 7,969 verified civil service pensioners to the payroll. These are pensioners who were verified in the South-West and North-Central in Q4 2017.
“Before this addition, over 19,500 verified civil service pensioners from the North-West, South-East, North-East and South-South had been reinstated and paid their arrears.
“Also ongoing is the computation of benefits for over 5,000 verified civil service pensioners. This will conclude the payroll of all verified civil service pensioners.
“We have also added over 700 verified parastatal pensioners from the Federal Housing Authority to the payroll to begin to receive monthly pensions.”
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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