The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) engaged North West stakeholders on its new initiative the “I Am Alive Confirmation” which is an online confirmation for pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS)
Dr.Chioma Ejikeme, Executive Secretary PTAD made this known in Kaduna at a two-day stakeholders engagement forum for Northwest Statesof, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara, said the web-based application is designed to confirm the aliveness of pensioners.
She said that the stakeholders’ forum is periodically organised to meet and interact with pensioners and Stakeholders in all the geopolitical zones of the country.
Adding that, PTAD launched the “I AM Alive” Confirmation Solution in 2021 and has successfully completed the Pilot Phase where 50,000 pensioners applicants were randomly selected from the four Operational Departments and the six geo-political zones.
“I Am Alive confirmation” which will be for pensioners under Define Benefits Scheme (DBS) which was commenced with police pensioners from April 14, to Octomber.13,2023
“While for the Nigeria Customs and immigration, and Prisons pensioners will be starting June.1 and last till December 31, 2023, and that of Civil Service pensioners will be commencing Jan.31,2024.”
She also noted that, for Parastatals, Universities, Health, Research institutes and others is expected to kick start August.1, 2023 to February.28, 2024.
According to her, PTAD has provided a six-month grace period for every department and their pensioners to complete their “I Am Alive” Confirmation (IAAC) Solutions
While explained further that, our journey from field verifications and mobile verifications, to putting together a solid database of pensioners, benefit computation, ensuring the regular payment of monthly pensions and paying long overdue pension arrears to pensioners, has been a progressive one filled with creativity, dedication, commitment, persistence and resulting in milestone achievement.
She added the adjustment to pensions was as a result of the increase in the minimum wage of April 2019 to the four operational departments in the Directorate.
“Complete liquidation of the 126 months outstanding liabilities due to ex-workers of Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation.”
While noting that they have also Completed payment of the 219 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of New Nigeria Newspaper Limited
Others are the complete payment of the 100 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of NICON Insurance and complete payment of the 96 months of inherited liabilities to Ex-workers of Delta Steel Company (DSC)
She also added that PTAD have also Implemented the 9.7% increment to Ex-PHCN workers with attendant arrears paid.
“The Payment of a total of 48 months of the 84 months inherited arrears owed NITEL/MTEL pensioners in December 2022, leaving a balance of 36 months for complete liquidation.
“Through the unwavering support of President Muhammadu Buhari, PTAD has completely liquidated the inherited unfunded liabilities of all the Defunct/Privatised Agencies handed over to PTAD in 2017, with the exception of NITEL/MTEL with a balance of 36 months, which we are fully committed to liquidating.”
In her goodwill message, the Minister of Finance Budget and National Planning Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, commended PTAD for all they have been doing for pensioners
The Minister who was represented at the event by Hauwa Yahaya said pensioners are a population the administration is indebted to hence the need to prepare for them
She also reiterated the administration’s commitment in doing all the needful for the pensioners which is where all will be in future.
In her presentation, on the New Narrative, Nneka Obiamalu, Director pensioner support services Department said, PTAD is determined to change the narrative for pension administration under the DBS.
She said they would continue to work toward achieving positive and sustainable change in the DBS Pension management for almost 10 years of its operation.
In an interview, Ibrahim Mohammed, Secretary of Nigeria Union of Pension, Kebbi state expressed his appreciation to PTAD on it “I am alive confirmation” saying that it would help pensioners from domain without too much stress.
According to him,” I am alive confirmation”has helped pensioners the stress of moving about and one can access it easily when he has enrolled.”
The pensioner can log on to PTAD website:www.ptad.gov.ng, using a smartphone /computer system. Click on the “I Am Alive” icon at the top of the page and follow the instruction.
PIAK
