By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The National PenCom Commission, PenCom, is rallying stakeholders including the media to ensure that every Nigerian, including the most vulnerable, has access to a secure and dignified retirement.

PenCom Director General Ms Omolara Oloworaran, who stated this at a programme in Lagos, among others, said “The Pension Industry Shared Service Initiative is in advanced stages of implementation. This initiative will digitize pension contributions and remittances, ensuring seamless processing of contributions and resolving discrepancies caused by incomplete remittance details.

  “To further enhance contributors’ experiences, we have introduced a revised programme withdrawal template, simplifying access to voluntary contributions and revising the threshold for en-bloc payments in line with the new minimum wage. These measures are designed to make retirement processes more efficient and user-centric.

  “But beyond policies and systems, what really excites me is the potential to transform lives. Every time I meet a pensioner who is able to live comfortably because of the contributions they made during their working years, it reminds me of why this work is so important. And every time I hear from a young entrepreneur or artisan who has signed up for the micro-pension scheme, it strengthens my belief that we are moving in the right direction.”

While  acknowledging the role of the media in development and growth of the Pension Industry, the Director General said  media practitioners “are not just story tellers; you are stakeholders in the success of our pension system. Your ability to inform, educate, and hold us accountable is invaluable.

“I urge you to continue asking the tough questions, highlighting areas that need improvement, and, yes, celebrating the wins when they come. And maybe, just maybe, next time you’ll get my picture right!

  “As we integrate technology across every aspect of the pension industry—ranging from data and identity management to seamless contributions, investment oversight, regulatory supervision, and service delivery—we are paving the way for a future where the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) becomes more accessible, reliable, and sustainable.

  “However, this transformation cannot succeed without your unwavering support as media practitioners. Your role in amplifying our initiatives and educating stakeholders across Nigeria is essential to achieving this vision.

  “Together, we can ensure that every Nigerian, including the most vulnerable, has access to a secure and dignified retirement.”