SGF INAUGURATES PENCOM BOARD, CHARGES MEMBERS ON ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s pension system and safeguarding the retirement savings of its workers.
At the inauguration ceremony held recently at the OSGF, Abuja, Senator Akume underscored the clarity and importance of their mandate, which includes providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other relevant frameworks.
He stated that “Today’s inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient, and trusted by all”
He highlighted the Board’s mandate, stressing that “Your mandate is very clear. You are to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in accordance with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other applicable frameworks”
The SGF urged the Board members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, sound judgment, transparency and accountability, warning against any encroachment into operational responsibilities that could undermine governance structures established by law.
In a statement by Christopher Ugwuegbulam, OSGF’s Head of Information and Public Relations, he reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to addressing outstanding pension liabilities and restoring trust in the system while prioritising the welfare of retirees as well as ensuring that pensions are paid with dignity, certainty, and timeliness.
The Board, which is chaired by Dr Opeyemi Agbaje, has the following membership: Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, Commissioner (Technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, CPA Commissioner (Inspectorate); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate, Commissioner (Finance); Bello Abubakar Malabu, Commissioner (Administration).
Others include: Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba, (Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office), representing Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Mrs. Aderonke J. Jaiyesimi, representing Federal Ministry of Finance; Comrade Joseph Ajaero , representing Nigeria Labour Congress; Tajuddeen Ubayi, representing Trade Union Congress of Nigeria; Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, representing Nigeria Union of Pensioners; Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, representing Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, representing Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. Emomotitmi Agama, representing Securities and Exchange Commission; Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, representing Nigerian Stock Exchange and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, representing National Insurance Commission.
The Chairman of PenCom Board, Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje on behalf of members, assured the Federal Government of its full alignment with the governance principles articulated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, particularly in upholding corporate governance, integrity, accountability, and the clear distinction between governance, oversight, and management operations within the Commission.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and reiterated the Board’s commitment to driving the administration’s agenda of leveraging pension funds to catalyse national development.
In a welcome remark, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Kana stated that the reforms by successive administrations have continued to improve pension administration, leading to the establishment and strengthening of PenCom as a key institution responsible for safeguarding retirement savings.
He noted that the Board’s work will impact not only current retirees but also serving public servants who will eventually benefit from the system.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Oloworaran, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fostering a productive and collaborative relationship with the Board, in line with established governance principles.
While appreciating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his exemplary leadership, clarity of direction, and steadfast commitment to strengthening governance within the Commission, she congratulated the newly inaugurated Board members on their appointments and expressed optimism for a tenure marked by impact, innovation, and strengthened institutional performance.
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