PenCom warns retirees against alleged illicit activities of ASSOPEP

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has cautioned retirees and pension contributors against dealing with an alleged fraudulent group known as the Association of Pension Desk Practitioners of Nigeria (ASSOPEP), saying that, the commission has no relationship with the association.

The commission, in a statement, yesterday, said that the group’s claims of resolving pension issues and assisting retirees in securing their retirement benefits were entirely false.

According to the commission: “The public is kindly requested to note that the claims by ASSOPEP are entirely false, as the association has no affiliation with the pension industry or authorisation of any kind whatsoever from PenCom….”

Moreover, Licensed Pension Fund Operators (LPFOs), who are statutorily mandated to undertake the processing and payment of retirement benefits, are not associated with ASSOPEP in any way.”

It, therefore, urged the public to be cautious of any promise or claim made by ASSOPEP regarding pension and retirement benefits or any other matter relating to the pension industry in Nigeria.

The commission, however, strongly advised workers, retirees, pension desk officers, and everyone approached by the association with claims of consulting with their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and PenCom for guidance and assistance in respect of their retirement benefits, to exercise caution as any interaction with the group is at the individual’s own risk.