The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has kicked off the Online Verification and Enrolment Exercise for prospective retirees of Federal Government treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) who are due to retire next year.
Acting Director-General, PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, made this known while delivering a keynote address at a workshop for Pension Desk Officers (PDOs) of Treasury-funded MDAs.
She stated that the retirees who missed the enrolment in previous years, are also eligible to participate in the exercise, adding that the enrolment exercise holds from October 7 to December 31.
Ms. Oloworaran emphasised the importance of the online enrolment and highlighted the major strides PenCom has made in ensuring a smooth and efficient pre-retirement verification for employees of Treasury-funded MDAs.
The system, according to her, is designed to collect accurate data on the Accrued Pension Rights of prospective retirees, allowing the Federal Government to make appropriate budgetary provisions.
Seamless pre-retirement enrolment
On why the workshop is part of preparations for the enrolment, targeting the prospective retirees, Ms. Oloworaran noted that they hold firmly to their statutory responsibility of ensuring a seamless pre-retirement verification and enrolment for employees of Treasury-funded MDAs.
She said: “PenCom’s automation of the enrolment introduced the Online Enrolment Application, which offers retirees, MDAs, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and PenCom itself a digital platform to facilitate registration, verification, and enrolment. This transition is a significant leap towards modernising pension administration in Nigeria.
“The application consists of four key modules which are retirees, MDAs, PFAs, and PenCom and serves as the backbone for pension administration moving forward. As Pension Desk Officers, you are the linchpin in this process, ensuring that retiree information is properly uploaded and verified.”
Addressing challenges
The Acting DG also used the opportunity to address some of the challenges encountered in previous enrolment.
She stated that there are challenges like system downtimes and delays in uploading retiree data, particularly during last-minute rushes.
She reassured attendees that PenCom is working on improving the system.
“We are developing a new, more efficient Enrolment Application that will provide a user-friendly and seamless experience for all stakeholders. This upgrade is expected to mitigate the challenges we have faced in the past. We acknowledged past delays in releasing funds for retirees’ accrued rights but noted that considerable progress had been made towards clearing outstanding liabilities. The workshop, therefore, served as a platform to train PDOs on the effective use of the Online Enrolment Application and provide solutions to past issues.”
Necessity of data recapture
She explained: “The online enrolment process comprises three stages: Registration, Verification, and Enrolment. Prospective retirees can either complete self-assisted registration or seek assistance from PFAs. Self-assisted registration involves visiting the PenCom website, creating an account, and providing required information such as RSA PIN, NIN, personal details, and employment history. Scanned copies of necessary documents are uploaded to the system, ensuring data accuracy.
“On the other hand, PFAs play an important role in this verification stage. They crosscheck the information provided, ensuring alignment with the original or certified true copies of the required documents. PFAs also guarantee the completeness and accuracy of employment records, salary details, and relevant supporting documents. A live image/photograph of the prospective retiree is captured through the application, and two copies of the Enrolment Slip are printed for signature. The retiree retains one copy of the Enrolment Slip while the other is submitted to the PFA.”
Sick/Incapacitated prospective retirees
Ms Oloworaran added that PenCom is aware of the challenges sick or incapacitated prospective retirees face.
“In such cases, a Next of Kin (NOK) can register on their behalf, uploading required documents and medical reports. The PFA conducts remote verification and enrolment, ensuring that the enrolment process is accessible to all, regardless of their physical condition,” she said
List of enrolled prospective retirees
“PFAs are required to forward the list of enrolled prospective retirees to PenCom monthly. This is designed to ensure prompt submission of enrolment data for timely processing. Online enrolment of prospective retirees is a remarkable leap forward in the CPS transitional arrangements. PenCom assures RSA holders of its commitment to effectively regulate and supervise the pension industry to ensure that retirement benefits are paid as and when due,” she said.
The Nation
