PenCom to begin online verification for 2024 retirees Oct 2

September 19, 2023 10:25 am

PenCom commences online enrolment exercise for prospective retirees The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it has commenced the online verification and enrolment exercise for prospective retirees in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government. The commission said the exercise is for those who are due to retire in 2025. Omolola Oloworaran, acting director-general (DG), PenCom, spoke at a workshop on the online enrolment application for pension desk officers (PDOs) of treasury-funded ministries, departments and agencies (MDA) of the federal government, on Monday in Abuja. Oloworaran said the commission is working effortlessly to ensure that challenges such as application downtimes are resolved. She also said a new and more efficient enrolment application that will provide a user-friendly and seamless experience for users has been developed. “At the National Pension Commission (PenCom), we hold firmly to our statutory responsibility of ensuring a seamless pre-retirement verification and enrolment process for employees of federal government treasury-funded MDAs,” Oloworaran said “Each year, we embark on this exercise to gather accurate data for determining the Accrued Pension Rights of prospective retirees, so that the federal government can make the necessary budgetary provisions. “Today’s session is not just a routine gathering; it is part of PenCom’s commitment to building the capacity of stakeholders, specifically you, the Pension Desk Officers, whose roles are indispensable in this process. “This workshop aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use the application and address any challenges that arise during the enrolment process. “We are also here to confront the issues of the past head-on.” 'THERE WERE GAPS IN PREVIOUS ENROLMENT' She further said in previous enrolment exercises, gaps and challenges were observed. The PenCom DG added that the workshop will provide practical solutions and clarity on the modalities for the upcoming 2025 enrollment. “We understand that some challenges, like application downtimes, have occasionally hindered the process, particularly during last-minute rushes,” she said. “I am pleased to inform you that we are actively working on developing a new, more efficient enrolment application that will provide a user-friendly and seamless experience for all stakeholders." Oloworaran also reassured that the commission is committed to continuously improving service delivery across the pension industry. The PenCom boss said despite some setbacks, including delays in the release of funds for retirees’ accrued rights, she’s confident that these issues will soon be resolved. “Today is not just about resolving technical issues; it is also about reaffirming our shared responsibility to Nigeria’s retirees, who deserve timely and seamless access to their benefits,” she added. Oloworaran also said significant progress has been made by all critical stakeholders to clear the outstanding pension liabilities and put in place long-term solutions that will prevent future delays in funding.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says it will commence the 2023 online verification and enrolment exercise for prospective retirees in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the federal government.

In a statement on Monday, the commission said the exercise is for those who are due to retire in 2024.

The enrolment exercise will be held from October 2 to December 31, 2023.

Also, the commission said it has hosted the ‘Online Enrolment Application’ on its website.

PenCom said the web-based application empowers prospective retirees with the tools to complete their registration and document submission at their convenience, significantly reducing the need for physical visits and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“The application comprises four distinct modules that collectively contribute to the comprehensive pension enrolment process: retiree registration, pension fund administrator (PFA) module, MDA module, and PenCom module,” the agency said.

“Under the retiree registration module, prospective retirees can register, scan, and upload all the necessary documents, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their pension information.

“This innovation drastically reduces the reliance on manual paperwork and minimises the risk of multiple RSA PINs.

“PFAs are vital in this process; therefore, they use the PFA Module for their part. The PFAs are responsible for verifying and enrolling prospective retirees, ensuring the submitted information is accurate and consistent.

“Similarly, the MDA Module enables pension desk officers of MDAs to upload relevant information about prospective retirees, fostering transparency and collaboration between government entities and the pension administration system.

“The PenCom module serves as the final step, validating the records submitted by all parties to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the pension data, thereby adding an extra layer of scrutiny to prevent errors or fraudulent activities.

According to the commission, the online enrolment system aligns seamlessly with these provisions, ensuring compliance and enhancing accountability within the pension administration landscape.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR ENROLMENT

PenCom further said the online enrolment process for 2023 consists of three distinct stages: registration, verification, and enrolment.

The commission said prospective retirees can opt for the self-assisted registration or seek assistance from PFAs.

The agency said self-assisted registration involves visiting its 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 to ensure data accuracy,” PenCom said.

“During the verification stage, PFAs play a pivotal role. They meticulously 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. In addition, PFAs ensure that the scanned documents match the hard copies submitted to them.”

According to PenCom, the PFA also takes a live photograph of the retiree and prints two copies of the enrolment slip for the signature of the retiree. The retiree retains one copy, while the PFA has the second copy.

In addition, the office said the online enrolment considers the challenges faced by sick or incapacitated prospective retirees.

“In such cases, a Next of Kin (NOK) can register on their behalf, uploading the required documents and medical reports,” the commission said.

“PFAs conduct remote verification and enrolment, ensuring that the enrolment process remains accessible to all, regardless of their physical condition.”

PenCom, therefore, said by embracing technology, streamlining processes, and ensuring transparency, it aims to simplify the transition into retirement for government employees and set a precedent for modern and efficient pension fund management.