The FCT Administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuing prompt pension service delivery to retired and retiring officers, as it prioritises their welfare.
To this end, the FCT Area Council Service Pension Board, FCT- ACSPB, has developed an Operational Manual that will help drive the agenda.
Speaking at the official launch of the manual at the 5th ACSPB Pension management system retreat, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, said the administration places high premium on welfare of retiring officers, and will continue to emphasize the importance of prompt pension service delivery.
Aliyu, who was represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, said the launch of the Operational Manual will enable the FCTA galvanize all its staff, particularly those at the Pension Board, towards delivering efficient pension service to residents of the territory.
The minister stressed that in its pursuit of efficient pension service delivery, the FCT Administration has been consistent in remitting its 2.5percent contribution to the board to sustain payments to its senior citizens.
According to him, “FCT Administration is among the very few states where payments to pensioners have been prioritized.
“Payment of pensioners allowances for the month of December 2022 is awaiting approval now, and for you to appreciate this, staff salary for December 2022 has not even gotten to my office, but pensioners allowances have already gone for approval.
“That shows the priority that FCTA attaches to the welfare of the senior citizens. So, we have shared commitment to improve our service delivery to our pensioners.”
Furthermore, while commending FCT Area Councils for their efforts in sustaining their payment of the 15percent pension funds to the board, the Permanent Secretary, expressed hope that the management of the board will reciprocate by sustaining the trajectory of prompt payment of benefits to retirees and beneficiaries of the deceased officers.
On his part the Chairman, FCT Chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Hon. Danladi Chiya, said the launch of the operational manual will encourage the Area Councils to do more in areas of remittance of pension contributions and the 15percent Area Council contribution to pension fund.
He therefore assured the board that the councils have resolved to be proactive towards efficient pension delivery henceforth and will pursue vigorously remittances of pension deductions and employer contribution.
Earlier in his presentation, ACSPB Director, Dr. Danzing Nden, said the manual speaks for itself, as it is supposed to be a document for stakeholders, staff and those, who deal with the board to understand its operations and how to carryout efficient tasks.
He said, “Our expectation is that we would deliver pension services in timely manner, and ensure that our clients are satisfied. Even though that we are not lagging behind, but we want to be on the top of our affairs.
“We want to maintain what we are doing in the FCT to see how senior citizens will enjoy pension services through offering world class service that everyone will be proud of. And if you count one or two pensions in Nigeria, ours will be counted among them.”
