Pension Fund Administrators in Niger State have received approval from the National Pension Commission to begin refunding 7.5% of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to exempted pensioners.

This announcement was made by Mallam Nasiru Saidu Namaska, the Director-General of the Niger State Pension Board, during the payment of gratuities to Batch Nine beneficiaries in Minna.

Namaska stated that pension fund administrators will issue a letter of no objection this week, allowing refunds to commence shortly thereafter. He added that the goal is to complete all refunds before the end of December, while commending Governor Umar Mohammed Bago for ensuring timely provision of funds for retirement benefits.

He reassured pensioners that the board is working diligently to ensure prompt payment of benefits. However, he noted a shortfall in the number of Batch Nine beneficiaries, caused by the omission of some retired permanent secretaries, who will be included in the tenth batch.

Namaska urged retirees to be patient, assuring them that all individuals will receive their retirement benefits as due.

Additionally, he encouraged pensioners to take part in the AM ALIVE verification exercise, which will begin in January 2025. He clarified that pensioners will need to visit any bank of their choice to complete the verification process.