By Gloria Abutu
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s pension system, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it is introducing new measures to enhance efficiency and ensure timely access to retirement benefits.
Director-General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this during a sensitization workshop for employees and pensioners of Federal Government treasury-funded Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, held in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.
The event, organized in collaboration with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, brought together Pension Desk Officers from the North East Zone.
Represented by the Commissioner for Administration, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Malabu, Ms. Oloworaran said the Commission has developed a new enrolment application designed to fast-track pension processing and payments.
“We have developed a new enrolment application to simplify and accelerate pension processing,” she explained. “Our goal is to ensure that every contributor enjoys a seamless transition into retirement without delays.”
She further stated that other reforms, including the Pension Boost Initiative and the Zero Waiting Time Policy, were introduced to protect contributors and improve the welfare of retirees nationwide.
The Director-General also revealed that the newly launched PENCARE Initiative was designed to provide free health insurance for low-income pensioners, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The PENCARE Initiative will support our vulnerable pensioners with access to healthcare because retirement should not mean neglect or suffering,” she said.
Nigeria’s pension assets, she noted, have now grown to over N25 trillion, reflecting the progress made under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which currently covers over 10 million Nigerians in both the public and private sectors, including artisans and self-employed individuals.
While acknowledging the successes recorded, she admitted that challenges remain, particularly in expanding coverage and addressing public skepticism arising from past pension experiences.
The Commissioner (Technical), Hafiz Ibrahim Kawu commended President Tinubu for approving the issuance of N758 billion bonds to clear long-standing pension arrears and liabilities, describing the move as “a bold step that restores confidence and brings relief to pensioners.”
He reaffirmed PenCom’s commitment to diversifying pension investments, improving returns, and expanding coverage, especially in the informal sector.
In his remarks, Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, represented by the Deputy Director of Compensation, Chika Ochor, described pensions as “earned income that guarantees a steady financial stream for retirees.”
He urged Pension Desk Officers to use the workshop to improve service delivery.
Also speaking, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Adamawa State Director, Richard Bala Dangari, said the sensitization would help build public confidence in government policies.
He assured that the Agency will disseminate pension information widely across the country to ensure better understanding of the CPS.
Chairman of the North-East Pension Desk Officers, Mohammed Ahmed Girei, said the sensitization exercise is being conducted across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
He also noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated genuine commitment to ensuring that retirees enjoy a sustainable and dignified life after service.
Some Pension Desk Officers, Yahaya Gidado, Ruth Ezekiel, and Patrick Sabokole described the initiative as “timely and impactful,” noting that it will enhance their capacity to serve pensioners more effectively.
The workshop forms part of PenCom’s nationwide sensitization drive aimed at deepening trust, improving understanding of the CPS, and ensuring that every Nigerian retiree can access pension benefits promptly, and with dignity.
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