Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has reiterated its commitment to ensuing prompt pension service delivery to retired and retiring officers, as it prioritises their welfare.
To this end, the commitment is being strengthened by the development of the Operational Manual by the Federal Area Council Service Pension Board (FCT- ACSPB).
The administration revealed during the official launch of the manual, at the ongoing 5th ACSPB Pension management system retreat, with the Theme: Operational Manual: An Administrative tool for efficient pension delivery, organised by FCT ACSPB and partners (PENCOM), Pension fund administrators (PFAs), underwriters and brokers.
Speaking at the event, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, said FCT Administration places high premium on welfare of retiring officers, and will continue to emphasize the importance of prompt pension service delivery.
Adesola, who represented the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, said the launch of the Operational Manual will enable the FCT Administration galvanize staff of all Agencies under the FCTA, and in particular the Pension Board towards delivering efficient pension service to residents of the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that in its pursuit of efficient pension service delivery, the FCT Administration has been consistent in remitting the 2.5% FCTA contribution to the Board to sustain payments to our revered Senior Citizen.
According to him, “FCT Administration is among the very few states where payments to pensioners have been prioritized.
“Payment of pensioners allowances for the month of December 2022 is awaiting approval now, and for you to appreciate this, staff salary for December 2022 has not even gotten to my office, but pensioners allowances has already gone for approval.
“That shows the priority that FCTA attaches to the welfare of the senior citizens. So, we have shared committment to improve our service delivery to our pensioners”.
While commending FCT Area Councils for their efforts in sustaining their payment of the 15% pension funds to the Board, the Permanent Secretary, expressed hope that the management of the Board will in reciprocal, sustain the trajectory of prompt payment of benefits to retirees and beneficiaries of the deceased officers.
“It is a very great legacy that the Director is leaving behind, to sustain the good work he has done over the years, and to all the officers, I wish they will sustain the legacy already established to ensure efficient service delivery”, he stressed.
On his part, Chairman, FCT Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Danladi Chiya, said the launch of the operational manual will ginger the Area Councils to do more in areas of remittance of pension contributions and the 15%
Area Council contribution to pension fund.
He therefore assured the Board that they have resolved to be proactive towards efficient pension delivery hence forth and will pursue vigorously remittances of Pension deduction and employer
contribution.
The ACSPB Director, Dr. Danzing Nden said the manual speaks for itself, as it is supposed to be a document for stakeholders, staff and those, who deal with the Board to understand the operations of the Board and how to carryout efficient tasks.
He said: “Our expectation is that we would deliver pension services in timely manner, and ensure that our clients are satisfied. Even though that we are not lagging behind, but we want to be on the top of our affairs.
“We want to maintain what we are doing in the FCT to see how senior citizens will enjoy pension services through offering world class service that everyone will be proud of.
Lateefah Ibrahim
