In a country where the stories of neglected pensioners once painted a grim picture of post-retirement life, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) is quietly changing the narrative—one verification, one monthly payment, and one technological innovation at a time.
At a recent annual meeting of the Nigerian Association of Insurance and Pension Editors (NAIPE) in Lagos, PTAD opened its doors to reflection—not just on its achievements, but on what those victories mean for thousands of elderly Nigerians who once endured years of delay, indignity, and disillusionment.
Representing the Executive Secretary/CEO, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, the Directorate’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Olugbenga Ajayi, and the Lagos Regional Office Head, Mr. Casmir Audu, delivered a message grounded in empathy and backed by performance.
“Since PTAD was established in 2013, we have not failed to pay pensions monthly,” Ajayi declared. “This is not just about administration—it’s about restoring dignity to those who built this country.”
For pensioners under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), who did not transition to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), this consistent payment represents more than money, it is the assurance that they have not been forgotten.
A Human-Centered Technological Leap
But perhaps PTAD’s most transformative stride has been its response to a simple, yet often-overlooked human challenge: verification. For years, pensioners were forced to travel long distances—sometimes while sick or frail, just to prove they were alive and eligible for their benefits.
“We realized we were asking too much of our elderly fathers and mothers,” Ajayi said, a sentiment that resonated in the room. “So we introduced a solution, I Am Alive Confirmation.”
The initiative uses an internet-enabled mobile phone to allow pensioners to verify their living status from the comfort of their homes. The process, which requires only a few minutes of assistance, ensures that pensions continue without interruption every six months.
For those who cannot manage even this simple process due to illness or physical incapacity, PTAD has introduced Mobile Verification, sending trained personnel to their homes to conduct the confirmation in person.
In both cases, the focus is clear: eliminate hardship, reduce anxiety, and reaffirm the state’s commitment to care.
Accountability and Transparency at the Core
Ajayi was also quick to dispel lingering misconceptions about PTAD’s financial operations. As a treasury-funded agency, PTAD holds no commercial bank account and does not handle pension disbursements directly. Instead, it compiles payment schedules that are reviewed by federal auditors and the Office of the Accountant-General before the Central Bank disburses the funds directly into pensioners’ accounts.
“This system removes any room for corruption or mismanagement,” Ajayi explained. “We don’t wake up with access to funds; we operate with strict layers of checks and balances.”
Beyond the Numbers, A Social Contract
It’s easy to reduce PTAD’s work to data points—monthly disbursements, verification campaigns, and office locations in 13 states. But behind every successful confirmation is a relieved retiree, behind every timely payment, a family that can eat, afford medication, or simply breathe easier.
This is why PTAD’s performance matters, especially in a country still reckoning with the ghosts of past pension frauds and broken promises.
The reflection shared at the NAIPE event was not about self-congratulation, but about honoring a social contract, one where public service is rewarded with respect, not regret.
“Pension under DBS is for life,” Ajayi reminded. “Once you are alive, you are entitled to it. It’s that simple.”
Looking Ahead
PTAD’s journey is far from over. Nigeria still faces broader pension reform challenges, and PTAD must continue to evolve, embracing digital infrastructure, improving outreach, and ensuring no pensioner is left behind.
But in a season where many public institutions face trust deficits, PTAD’s message stands out: efficient government is possible, and dignity in retirement is not too much to ask.
For thousands of pensioners across Nigeria, that promise is not just a headline. It is a lifeline.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
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