State governments have been urged to give priority to the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, to guarantee sustainable retirement benefits for workers.
The Director-General of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, made the call at the First Run 2026 Consultative Forum for States, the Federal Capital Territory and Licensed Pension Fund Operators in Lagos.
Ms. Oloworaran expressed optimism that workers who have devoted decades of service to government should receive their pensions promptly and enjoy a dignified retirement.
She said the true measure of how a government values its workforce is not only in how it treats employees while they are in service, but in how faithfully it fulfils its pension obligations after retirement.
Noting that the forum was organised to ensure that every retiree receives pension benefits as and when due, the PenCom Director-General described the Contributory Pension Scheme as more than just a pension model, saying also that it is a governance framework that promotes structure, discipline, transparency and long-term sustainability in pension administration.
Ms. Oloworaran expressed concern over the slow implementation of the scheme by some states and disclosed that PenCom would explore measures to strengthen the revenue base of state pension bureau to improve pension management.
“We still gave eight states more than thirty-six states, so I’m not satisfied. I think there has to be more political will. Governors need to prioritize the future of the workers when they retire, she said”
Ms. Oloworaran warned that states delaying pension reforms face mounting liabilities, increasing fiscal pressure and the risk of failing retirees who served diligently.
She noted that states that embraced the reforms early have built stronger and more resilient pension systems that protect workers, improve public finances and boost public confidence in government.
“No framework, no regulation, and no model, however well-designed, can substitute for political will. Real reforms begin when legislation ends, Oloworaran said”
Pension Fund Operators from various states highlighted challenges affecting the implementation of the scheme in their jurisdictions and appealed to PenCom to intervene.
They, however, described the consultative forum as a timely initiative that would strengthen collaboration and improve the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme nationwide.
“This is a programme will look forward, is like going to a clinic where the challenges of contributory pension is x-rayed and solution provided. We also get to be informed about new issues coming up.
The discussion here will definitely impact on the pensioners positively in this county, they said”.
The First Run 2026 Consultative Forum for States, the Federal Capital Territory and Licensed Pension Fund Operators brought together key stakeholders to review developments in Nigeria’s pension industry, exchange practical ideas and promote stronger collaboration towards a more efficient and sustainable pension system.
Reporting By Bimbo Oyetunde