BY NKECHI NAECHE- ESEZOBOR–The Director General of National Pension Commission, PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, on Thursday highlighted some of the achievements of the commission since she took over the mantle of leadership of the commission.
She disclosed this at a one-day workshop with Pension journalists in lagos, that the commission achieved a major milestone with the launch of the e-Application Portal for Pension Clearance Certificates (PCC) in October.
This initiative according to her replaces the previous manual process, enabling companies to seamlessly apply for and receive PCCs online.
“Since its deployment, we have issued over 38,000 PCCs, significantly enhancing ease of doing business and ensuring compliance.
“Additionally, 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.
She also commented the role of the media in this journey of improving the scheme. “You are not just storytellers; you are stakeholders in the success of our pension system. Your ability to inform, educate, and hold us accountable is invaluable. So, 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.”
