PTAD offers second chance to unverified Diaspora pensioners

THE Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced a new directive for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) who were suspended from the pension payroll due to unverified status while residing abroad.

The pensioners are now required to renew their ‘Aliveness Certificate’ through the Nigerian High Commission in their country of residence.

This measure is designed to confirm their continued existence as they are unable to participate in the ‘I Am Alive’ verification process used for domestic pensioners.

Executive Secretary, PTAD, Dr Chioma Ejikeme, clarified that after the completion of PTAD’s nationwide pensioners’ verification exercise, those who were not verified were removed from the payroll with exceptions made for Diaspora and sick pensioners.

Dr Ejikeme assured that policies and procedures for validating Diaspora pensioners have been established.

Diaspora pensioners who were previously listed on the inherited payroll from August 2015 will be reinstated to the Diaspora payroll while awaiting physical verification.

To facilitate this, they must submit several documents to complaints@ptad.gov.ng, including: letter of first appointment, letter of last promotion, letter of acceptance of retirement, a bank statement showing the last pension received, Bank Verification Number (BVN) slip with photograph, a valid means of identification and either an Aliveness Certification from the Nigerian High Commission or a notarised letter confirming their aliveness.

Dr Ejikeme emphasised that Diaspora pensioners are required to update their Aliveness Certificate every six months to continue receiving their monthly pensions. Failure to provide updated certificates will result in their suspension from the pension payroll.

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