NIyi JACOBS
The Federal Government has taken a decisive step in its ongoing pension reforms with the launch of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate’s (PTAD) revised Service Charter, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of senior citizens and strengthening the broader pension regulatory framework under the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
Unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Charter—titled “Renewed Commitment to Service Excellence”—sets measurable service standards and accountability mechanisms to ensure quicker, more transparent, and pensioner-centred service delivery.
Dr. Uzoka-Anite described the document as “a social contract” that places pensioners’ welfare and public trust at the centre of governance, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval of an N800 billion bond programme to offset outstanding pension liabilities demonstrates the administration’s seriousness about restoring dignity to retirees.
She praised PTAD for aligning its reforms with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and assured of the Finance Ministry’s continued support.
The revised Charter highlights four pillars: performance metrics, quality commitment, stakeholder feedback, and accessibility. PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, said the document represents a covenant between the agency and pensioners, promising stronger accountability and more predictable service delivery.
Stakeholders—including PenCom, SERVICOM, and the Public Complaints Commission—commended the launch and stressed that effective implementation would further strengthen Nigeria’s pension system.
Analysts say the move complements PenCom’s regulatory efforts in the contributory pension scheme, creating a more unified system that balances the needs of retirees under both the transitional and contributory arrangements.
With the revised Charter, the Federal Government signals its resolve to build a pension regime that guarantees fairness, reliability, and peace of mind for millions of Nigerian retirees.
