The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) have announced their readiness to collaborate on pension verification process for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
In a statement issued by Mr. Gabriel Odu, the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, in Abuja, PTAD requested for collaboration with the management of NiDCOM on the Diaspora pension verification process.
Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, led a delegation of the agency’s management on a courtesy visit to NiDCOM, where she said that PTAD was intentional about changing the irregularities associated with pensions through the use of technology.
“With the introduction of computation software, we are now able to do automatic transmission of pensions. This has helped to eliminate ghost members and regulate the system,” said Ejikeme.
She also said that the agency was aware there were some qualified Nigerians who had worked and retired before June 2007 but were now outside the shores of the country, adding that “This category of pensioners can be verified through the Diaspora Pension Verification Process which requires them to get a certificate of aliveness from the Nigerian mission in their country of residence.”
PTAD was established in August 2013 with the mandate to manage pensions under the old pension scheme (Defined Benefit Scheme). It is for pensioners who did not transit to the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which is currently in effect in Nigeria.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of NiDCOM, commended PTAD for the initiative and expressed the commission’s readiness to spread the information to the Nigerian Diaspora community.
“We will ensure to work with you and reach out to the Nigerian Diaspora to get them to key into this strategic initiative of the government,” she said.
The verification process will enable eligible Nigerians to get captured on the payroll system and get access to their entitled pension.
Source: NAN
