The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, PTAD, is working with the relevant stakeholders and appropriate high courts across the country to secure letters of administration for Next-of-Kin, NOK, of deceased pensioners.
This is part of the efforts by PTAD to address complaints from NOK of deceased pensioners and some pensioners concerning non-payment of inherited liabilities among others.
It came as the Directorate lauded President Bola Tinubu, for ensuring timely release of funds for payment of pensions and recent increment of pensions.
Executive Secretary of the PTAD, Mrs Chioma Ejikeme in a statement, explained that the timely release of the funds had shown the effective commitment of the present administration.
She commended the President for his commitment to the welfare of pensioners through the timely, prompt, continuous and uninterrupted release of funds.
According to her, “Our commitment to our pensioners remains sacrosanct. The PTAD has expanded its operations by establishing another office in Kwara.
“The unveiling of the office has marked a significant milestone to better the welfare of pensioners.
“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 (DBS) pensioners.
In the last decade of operation, PTAD has reformed and revolutionised pension administration using technology. The office has implemented service innovations that have been proactive and intentional from automating and streamlining core operational processes, to digitisation of pensioners’ employment records.
“We have also implemented electronic computation of pension benefits, pension payments, complaints resolution, the Back End Computation project, and the “I Am Alive” Confirmation Solution.
“Furthermore, following complaints from Next-of-Kin, NOK, of deceased pensioners and some pensioners concerning non-payment of inherited liabilities, I inaugurated a DirectorateWide Expanded NOK and gratuity project, in December 2023.
“This is with a clear mandate to address all legitimate complaints of non-payment of gratuities to some pensioners and death benefits to NOK of deceased pensioners across all the pension departments.”
The PTAD Executive Secretary informed that on July 19, the office processed and paid N395,559 million as death benefits and gratuity to 238 NOK of deceased pensioners and pensioners.
Ejikeme said, “The rest of the NOK and gratuity benefit claims files are still undergoing prudent checks and validation.
“Nevertheless, it is worthy to note that PTAD is working tirelessly with the relevant stakeholders and respective high courts of justice across the federation.
“This is to ensure that letters of administration in favour of the NOK are validated within the shortest time frame.
“Also, other related checks completed to enable the remaining beneficiaries receive their entitlements in the shortest possible time.
“It is with great pleasure that I am informing you that all of the receipt by PTAD of the 2024 Pension increment has been approved by the president.
“This increment, which takes effect from 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 commencement of the payment of the accrued arrears this August 2024.”
“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”.
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