Dr Chioma Ejikeme, the Executive Secretary, Pension Transitional
Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has solicited for collaboration from the
management of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in escalating
the Diaspora Pension Verification Process.
She stated this when she led a delegation of PTAD Management on a
courtesy visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM and top
management of the Commission in Abuja.
Ejikeme further stated that PTAD is intentional about changing the
irregularities that used to be associated with pension through the use
of technology.
“With 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.” she explained.
Ejikeme added that these brought about the need for verification of all
eligible Nigerians of which PTAD has been able to verify across all the
six geo-political zones.
According to her, the Agency is aware that there are some qualified
Nigerians who have worked and retired before June 2007 but are now
outside the shores of the Country.
“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.”
“This verification process will enable them to get captured on the
payroll system and get access to their entitled pension.” She added.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM commended the PTAD
boss for the wonderful initiative, stating that NiDCOM is ready to
disseminate 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 assured.
PTAD was established in August 2013 with the mandate to manage pensions
under the old pension scheme, (Defined Benefit Scheme) for pensioners
who did not transit to the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which
is currently in effect in Nigeria.