PTAD opens liaison office in Yobe, concludes computation of benefits

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has opened a liaison office in Yobe State, in fulfilment of the promise made by the agency’s, Executive Secretary, Sharon Ikeazor, in March this year.

According to PTAD, the objective is to bring pension services closer to pensioners in the state and its environs, and to enable aged pensioners resolve their complaints or enquiries faster without going to the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

At the official inauguration of the office, in Damaturu, the Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, represented by the Head of Service, Saleh Abubakar, commended PTAD and expressed government’s commitment to ensure that the newly established office received adequate support.

Ikeazor, represented by the Director, Pension Support Services Department (PSSD), Olufunmilayo Onafowokan, said the opening of the liaison office is a symbol of hope and a commitment to senior citizens welfare.

Also, the National President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abel Afolayan, represented by Sani Mohammed, noted that the office was a promise kept by PTAD, and commended the agency for treating pensioners with dignity and respect during verifications.

Meanwhile, PTAD has concluded the computation of benefits of 14,573 verified NITEL/MTEL pensioners including next of kin.

The agency noted that the monthly pension payments would commence once funds were released.

“The backlog of pension arrears would be cleared when funds are allocated to PTAD.

The Directorate is working with relevant government agencies to ensure that these funds are allocated and released,” the agency said in a statement.

Also, 284 pensioners of the Nigeria Reinsurance Company have been added to the monthly payroll of PTAD.

The total sum of N8.31million has been paid to the new enrolees for July 2018, as they start receiving their monthly pension for life.

Commenting on this, Ikeazor said: “No pensioner or retiree, after serving their fatherland should ever be forced into the indignity and painful uncertainty of delayed pensions.

“Today, Nigeria Reinsurance pensioners verified by PTAD Nigeria have been placed on monthly pension payroll. It is indeed a promise kept.”

She reassured pensioners that the backlog of outstanding pension arrears will be cleared immediately funds are allocated and released.