The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN), one of the two pensioners’ unions under the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has urged the Federal Government to uphold the existence of the Directorate as the singular agency dedicated to managing the Defined Benefits Pension Scheme in Nigeria.
Though FEPPPAN had earlier in a letter begged President Bola Tinubu to support the existence of the agency, the pensioners’ union, in a memorandum submitted to the House of Representatives’ Special Ad-Hoc Committee on Restructuring of Federal Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies, emphasised PTAD’s role in sustaining the life and wellbeing of DBS pensioners under its payroll.
The union also cited the recommendation of the 2014 White Paper on the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies as regards to PTAD’s existence.
FEPPPAN also recalled the White Paper on the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies of 2014 under PENCOM that states: “that the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate be inaugurated with the provision of PRA 2004 in order to provide single platform for effective and efficient administration of the defined benefits pension scheme,” which was also endorsed in the Steve Oronsaye Report.
It said: “The establishment of PTAD marked a critical shift towards improved governance and fairness in pension management, addressing systemic challenges that plagued retirees previously. Its creation was a humane and respectful response to the plight of senior citizens who endured mismanagement of pension funds.”
The union highlighted some achievements and impact of the agency, saying: “After over a decade of PTAD’s operations, significant milestones have been achieved. PTAD successfully implemented a comprehensive database of pensioners, eliminating previous gaps in record-keeping.
“Through rigorous verification processes, PTAD has eradicated fraudulent claims of pensions by non-existent beneficiaries. Measures implemented by PTAD have curbed fraudulent activities that marred the Defined Benefits Scheme, promoting financial accountability. Administrative bottlenecks in accessing pension services have been significantly reduced, with innovations like the ‘I Am Alive Confirmation,’ allowing pensioners to confirm their status conveniently every six months.
“Instead of scrapping or merging with any other agency, we urge you to rather support PTAD by ensuring it continues its current culture of regular and punctual pension payments, a fundamental right of retirees. We strongly oppose any consideration of merging or scrapping PTAD because such actions would disrupt the lives of pensioners who depend on its services.”
FEPPPAN’s memorandum underscores the critical role of PTAD in safeguarding the welfare of Federal Government pensioners. It appeals for policy continuity and governmental commitment to uphold the integrity of pension administration in Nigeria.
As the debate on restructuring federal agencies continues, FEPPPAN’s stance resonates as a steadfast advocacy for the rights and dignity of senior citizens who have served the nation.
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