Actually Wale, those who say it was timed to coincide with elections are insulting folks like @sharon_ikeazor and @PTADNigeria who have been working tirelessly for years to ensured that pensioners are properly verified and enrolled in the system. The journey didn't start in 2018.
According to @sharon_ikeazor the database they inherited was not credible so in 2016, they just had to start all over again. SE & NW in 2015, NE & SS in 2016 and the SW in 2017. In the process, they cleaned up the system and removed over 15,000 ghost pensioners from the payroll.
After the verification exercise which is just mainly to show proof of life and capture bio metrics, they then check all their documentations from the letter of appointment, promotion letters, and retirement letters. After that, they compute amount and send to audit for clearance.
There are several departmental and even inter-agency layers that needs to be crossed. But once enrolled, the pensioner first starts receiving the monthly pension while the arrears comes later. A lot of the stories we are hearing now are actually arrears that are being paid.
It's understandable that some will read political intonation into it, just like it was also understandable when pensioners were doubtful and fatigued when they were asked to do another verification. But the payments being done today is proof of the sincerity of the administrators
Let me end by saying that while the work of @PTADNigeria preceded this administration, you cannot take away the passion that @sharon_ikeazor and her team have pursued this task of ensuring that every pensioner will no longer be owed. They deserve all the accolades we can give.
The good news is that many of the arrears are being cleared and many pensioners are now enrolled in the payroll & will be getting their monthly stipends without delay. With the pace they're going, they shd be able to clear all arrears in good time & be left with only monthly pymt
With cleared arrears, we will have sorted out all pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) and concentrate fully on those under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) which is where the real focus should be. Why?
Because as at 2017 24 States are yet to commence the CPS!
Because as at 2017 24 States are yet to commence the CPS!
*to ensure
