The Lagos State Government has since the beginning of Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, paid N4.25 billion accrued pension rights to 1268 retirees, the Commissioner, Establishment, Training & Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, has said.
She stated this at the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) 66th retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony in Lagos, adding that the state has remained committed to the welfare of workers and retirees.
According to her, whilst N2.75 billion was paid to 881 retirees in the last three months, N1.50 billion was paid to 387 retirees. She noted that the Governor had been briefed about the backlog of outstanding pension entitlements and that he had promised that more focus will be given to the payment of accrued pension rights.
She explained to the retirees that the Governor is aware that without the payment of their accrued pension rights, they would not be able to access their retirement savings accounts to draw monthly pension.
The Commissioner posited that the state in a bid to make life comfortable for retirees, had commenced the issuance of identification cards to retirees, which they would use to access free medical treatment in the state’s hospitals and ride on the state mass transit buses for free.
The Director-General LASPEC, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, told the retirees that their pension fund administrators have been directed to ensure that they are quickly granted access to their retirement savings account.
She urged the retirees to be careful of fraudsters, who may pose as helpers and financial experts, stressing also that the men should not use their benefits to marry new wives while the women should avoid unnecessary parties.