The federal government has reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of the senior citizens to ensure that retirees live in dignity and peace of mind.
The Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) Ms Omolola Oloworaran, made the commitment in Abuja Wednesday.
Oloworaran spoke during the national thanksgiving conference of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS)
The theme of the event was, “Strengthening Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) administration for dignity, timelines and trust.”
She said the administration was prioritising pension reforms to address challenges faced by retirees, particularly those living in hardship after years of service.
Oloworaran said the ongoing reforms were working as senior citizens across the country had begun to acknowledge improvements in pension administration and service delivery.
She said government remains committed to delivering more impactful policies for citizens, especially the elderly, who deserve comfort and stability after retirement.
“I do not take the plight of senior citizens lightly.
“When you see people who have served this nation diligently retire into penury, it is simply not acceptable,” she said.
Oloworaran said since her assumption of office, the agency had focused on ensuring that retirees receive their benefits promptly and without unnecessary delays.
She said the federal government had cleared outstanding pension liabilities, adding that retirees are now paid within weeks and in some cases, within days of retirement.
“Since last year, we have been paying retirees almost immediately after retirement.
“Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) are even working towards processing payments within 24 hours,” she said. (NAN)