The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr Chioma Ejikeme, has been speaking on the status of the pension arrears for NITEL/MTEL pensioners.

In a series of tweets, the Executive Secretary explained that “PTAD is not only committed to the welfare of our pensioners but also committed to settling arrears of pensioners. We acknowledge the fact that the Nitel/Mtel pensioners are being owed 36 months arrears. Recall that PTAD inherited 84 months of Nitel/Mtel pension arrears in 2018.

Also, recall that PTAD has settled 48 out of the 84 months to the tune of over N40billion. The 36-month balance amounts to over N30Billion. We had made a request for funds to settle this, but unfortunately, it was not released before May 29th.

I have appealed that you all exercise patience, let the Government settle down. Government is committed to the welfare of pensioners regardless of the Sector.

I can assure you that the former Honorable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning could never have told you that she approved funds for the payment of the arrears as she did not approve any funds. I was with her till the very end, pushing. Her approval is subject to availability of funds and funds were not available”