Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume has inaugurated the board of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, charging members to uphold accountability, transparency and integrity in the management of Nigeria’s pension system.
Speaking at the inauguration, Akume said the new board was expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other relevant regulations.
He said the inauguration reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to building a pension system that is transparent, resilient and trusted by workers and retirees. He also warned board members against interfering in the commission’s day-to-day operations, stressing the need to respect the governance structure established by law.
Akume reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address outstanding pension liabilities, restore confidence in the pension system and ensure retirees receive their entitlements with dignity, certainty and timeliness.
The board is chaired by Dr Opeyemi Agbaje. Other members include Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, commissioner (technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, commissioner (inspectorate); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate, commissioner (finance); and Bello Abubakar Malabu, commissioner (administration).
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Also on the board are Abdul Sule Usman Garba, representing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Aderonke J. Jaiyesimi, representing the Federal Ministry of Finance; Joseph Ajaero, representing the Nigeria Labour Congress;Tajuddeen Ubayi, representing the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria; Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, representing the Nigeria Union of Pensioners; Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, representing the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, representing the Central Bank of Nigeria; Emomotitmi Agama, representing the Securities and Exchange Commission; Umaru Kwairanga, representing the Nigerian Stock Exchange; and Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, representing the National Insurance Commission.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Agbaje pledged the members’ commitment to corporate governance, integrity and accountability. He said the board would work within its oversight role while supporting the administration’s agenda of using pension funds to drive national development.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said pension reforms introduced by successive administrations had strengthened PenCom’s role in protecting retirement savings. He noted that the board’s decisions would affect both retirees and serving public workers.
PenCom Director-General, Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, also assured the board of the commission’s readiness to maintain a productive and collaborative relationship in line with established governance principles. She congratulated the members and expressed optimism that their tenure would bring innovation and stronger institutional performance.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by management staff of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Pension Commission.
Crediblenewsng.com
