The Federal Government, through the National Pensions Commission, says it has officially started preparations for the enrollment of potential retirees in 2025, stressing the importance of early planning.
It also issued a stern warning to all ministries, departments and agencies, urging them to avoid any last-minute rush that could disrupt the enrollment process and negatively impact pensioners’ transition into the new phase of life.
The Acting Director General of the National Pensions Commission, Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this at a workshop organized by the commission to launch the 2024 online enrollment applications for MDAs pension office officers funded by the federal government treasury on Monday in Abuja .
This workshop marks the beginning of final preparations for the 2024 Online Enrollment Exercise for potential 2025 retirees.
Nigeria currently has 7,348,028 or 10.58% of the total working population registered under the National Pension Scheme. In the second quarter of 2024, the commission said it paid 1.1 billion lei to 129,435 life annuity claimants, highlighting increases in pension payments.
Speaking in his speech, the Acting DG said that this exercise is aimed at gathering accurate data to assess the accrued pension rights of prospective retirees, enabling the federal government to make the necessary budgetary provisions.
She added that the commission has made significant progress by automating the enrollment process by introducing an online enrollment application that facilitates seamless registration, verification and enrollment of pensioners.
Oloworaran said: “At the National Pension Commission, we stand firm in our statutory responsibility to ensure a smooth pre-retirement screening and enrollment process for MDAs funded by the Federal Government Treasury. Every year we embark on this exercise to gather accurate data to determine the Accumulated Pension Entitlements of potential retirees so that the Federal Government can make the necessary budgetary provisions.
“Today’s session is not just a routine meeting; it is part of PenCom’s commitment to building the capacity of stakeholders, especially you, the pension office officers, whose roles are indispensable in this process. Since 2021, we have made significant progress by automating the enrollment process and introducing an online enrollment application that allows pensioners to register, verify and enroll seamlessly.
“This system, comprising Pensioner, MDA, PFA and PenCom modules, represents the future of pension administration in Nigeria. As a PDO, you are the linchpin in this process, ensuring that retiree information is properly uploaded and verified. Therefore, this workshop aims to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use the application and tackle any challenges that arise during the application process. We are also here to confront the problems of the past head on.”
The Acting DG said the workshop aims to provide practical solutions for pension office officers when faced with enforcement challenges.
She also ensured that the development of a new, more efficient enrollment application has begun which ensures a user-friendly and hassle-free experience for all stakeholders.
“We understand that some challenges, such as application downtime, have occasionally hampered the process, especially during last-minute emergencies. I am pleased to inform you that we are actively working on developing a new, more efficient enrollment application that will provide a user-friendly and seamless experience for all stakeholders.”
She added: “I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made by all key stakeholders to clear outstanding pension liabilities and put in place long-term solutions that will prevent future delays in funding.
“Despite some setbacks, including delays in the release of funds for pensioners’ accrued entitlements, I am confident that these issues will be resolved soon. Today it is not just about solving technical problems; it is also about reaffirming our shared responsibility to Nigerian pensioners who deserve timely and seamless access to their benefits.”
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