Pension payroll: PTAD outlines reinstatement steps for unverified diaspora pensioners

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has announced a new process for diaspora pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) who were suspended from the pension payroll due to unverified status. These pensioners are now required to renew their “Aliveness Certificate” through the Nigerian High Commission in their respective countries. This measure is to verify their continued status as living pensioners, as they cannot participate in the regular “I Am Alive” verification exercise used for other pensioners.

Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme, explained that the nationwide pensioners’ verification exercise led to the removal of those who were not verified from the payroll, except for diaspora and sick pensioners. She confirmed that new policies and procedures for validating diaspora pensioners have been established.

Pensioners residing abroad who were previously included on the inherited payroll from August 2015 will be reinstated to the Diaspora payroll, pending their physical verification. To facilitate this process, they must submit the following documents to [email protected]:

1. Letter of First Appointment

2. Letter of Last Promotion

3. Letter of Acceptance of Retirement

4. Bank statement showing the last pension received

5. BVN slip with photograph

6. Valid means of identification

7. Aliveness Certification from the Nigerian High Commission or a notarized letter confirming their aliveness

Dr. Ejikeme emphasised that all diaspora pensioners must update their Aliveness Certificate every six months to continue receiving their pensions. Failure to provide updated documentation will result in their suspension from the pension payroll.