The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has marked a significant milestone in the expansion of its operations to better the welfare of pensioners.
The commissioning of its Kwara State office, the 12th State branch since its inception in 2013, highlights PTAD’s commitment to improving pension administration across Nigeria.
Addressing pensioners and stakeholders who attended the event, PTAD Executive Secretary Chioma Ejikeme expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the timely release of funds for the payment of pensions and the recent increment of pensions.
“Your collaboration has been instrumental in our achievements,” Ejikeme told pensioners and stakeholders.
The Kwara office, located in Ilorin, aims to enhance the accessibility of pension services for Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the historical challenges faced by pensioners under the old system, characterised by administrative bottlenecks and inadequate service delivery.
Furthermore, Ejikeme said, “Since its inception in 2013, PTAD has opened eleven (11) state offices across the six geopolitical zones of the country, and this Kwara state office we are commissioning today would make it the 12th PTAD state office, in addition to the FCT Abuja office (headquarters). PTAD has offices in the following cities: Yola, Awka, Maiduguri, Ibadan, Benin, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Sokoto, Yobe, and now Ilorin.
“The aim of establishing these offices in strategically selected locations nationwide is to bring our exceptional pension services closer to the doorstep of defined benefit scheme pensioners that are being managed by PTAD as mandated in the Pension Reform Act 2014, Section 47 (2).
“Recall that prior to the establishment of PTAD in August 2013, the DBS Administration under the Old Pension Offices faced overwhelming challenges. These challenges were an accumulation of a number of negative incidents emanating from administrative bottlenecks in accessing pension services, poor funding of pension liabilities, as well as poor service delivery to pensioners.
“Our pensioners can certainly attest that those major challenges are now all in the past with the advent of PTAD. In its last decade of operation, PTAD has reformed and revolutionised pension administration using technology.
“We have implemented service innovations that have been proactive and intentional, from automating and streamlining our core operational processes to digitising pensioners employment records, electronic computation of pension benefits, pension payments, complaint resolution, the Back End Computation project, and the “I Am Alive confirmation solution.
“All these and many more are programmes carried out to strengthen and improve PTAD’s operations, eradicate the stress DBS pensioners go through to get their pensions and ensure that the welfare of our pensioners remains our topmost priority.
“Furthermore, following complaints from Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners and some pensioners concerning non-payment of inherited liabilities, I inaugurated a Directorate-wide Expanded NOK & Gratuity Project in December 2023, with a clear mandate to address all legitimate complaints of non-payment of gratuities to some pensioners and death benefits to Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners across all the pension departments.
“I am glad to announce that as of July 19, 2024, the Directorate has processed and paid the sum of Three Hundred and Ninety-Five Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira, and Nine Kobo (₦395,559,795.09) as Death Benefits and Gratuity to Two Hundred and Thirty-Eight Next-of-Kin of deceased pensioners and pensioners. The project is still ongoing as we speak.
“The rest of the NoK and Gratuity Benefit claims files are still undergoing prudent checks and validation, because, as I often say, any money that is wrongly paid to a NOK beneficiary is like money put in the belly of a tiger, as it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to recover.
“Nevertheless, it is worthy to note that PTAD is working tirelessly with the relevant stakeholders and respective High Courts of Justice across the Federation to ensure that the Letters of Administration in favour of the NOK are validated within the shortest time frame and other related checks are completed to enable the remaining beneficiaries to receive their entitlements in the shortest possible time.
“It is with great pleasure that I am informing you all of the receipt by PTAD of the 2024 pension increment approved by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in fulfilment of the constitutional provision of Section 173 (3) providing for a 5-year pension increment for pensioners.
“This increment, which takes effect on January 1, 2024, is quite historic as it is the first time that the Federal Government has proactively, promptly, and timeously implemented this constitutional provision.
“PTAD will be implementing this increment with the commencement of the payment of the accrued arrears this August. I wish to use this opportunity to encourage the pensioners who are yet to confirm their aliveness through the “I Am Alive” Confirmation Solution to do so. I continue to enjoin the pension union executives here to assist the directorate in spreading this information to their members.
“Our officers are also here and available to assist anyone who is having challenges, confirming their aliveness. We have also come with a mobile team to visit infirm and bed-ridden pensioners to provide assistance with their confirmation. I want to assure you of PTAD’s commitment to your welfare.
“I would like to express our profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the welfare of our pensioners through the timely, prompt, continuous, and uninterrupted release of funds for the payment of monthly pensions and the continued liquidation of inherited pension liabilities.
“Most especially for the historic and timely approval of pension increments for our pensioners as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our commitment to our pensioners remains sacrosanct. Once again, I welcome you all. God bless our pensioners. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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