The Delta State Bureau for State Pensions has recorded a major milestone in pension administration following the release of a N10 billion windfall by the state government to clear outstanding pension liabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Bureau, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, the Secretary of the Bureau, Mr. Lawson Efenudu, described the development as a historic intervention that has significantly eased the burden on retirees across the state.
According to Efenudu, the assumption of office by the current chairman coincided with what he described as “divine grace,” as the Bureau, for the first time, received a N10 billion allocation specifically targeted at pension arrears.
“In his time as chairman, we are having a windfall of N10 billion to clear pension backlog. His Excellency, the Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori released that amount for us to defray pension debts. This is a milestone that has given us about 60 to 70 per cent relief from the pressure of retirees,” he said.
He explained that the core mandate of the Bureau is to ensure the judicious appropriation of pension funds strictly for the benefit of retirees, in line with existing laws and regulations.
Efenudu noted that pension administration operates under a tripartite arrangement involving government, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and Pension Fund Custodians, all under the strict supervision of the National Pension Commission (PenCom).
“The law says seven days after payment of salaries, all contributions and deductions must be remitted to the pension fund administrators. But sometimes, the speed you want to achieve is affected by the bureaucracy of stakeholders and the regulations we must comply with,” he explained.
He emphasized that personal discretion plays a minimal role in the Bureau’s operations, as all actions must align with PenCom guidelines.
On reforms introduced under the current leadership, Efenudu said the Bureau has become more proactive in communication and stakeholder engagement.
“The chairman is a good writer. We are now churning out circulars to educate retirees and workers, and even to guide pension fund administrators on how to relate with us. We have not been outreaching like this before now,” he said.
He added that the Bureau has also improved its interface with retirees, citing better organization during verification exercises, faster service delivery, and easier issuance of pension certificates as part of ongoing reforms.
Addressing transparency and accountability, Efenudu disclosed that the Bureau operates a merit-based payment policy, with about 70 per cent of payments determined strictly on merit. He also highlighted the role of a robust ICT system that interfaces directly with the government payroll.
“We don’t manage cash here. What we see are NEFTs and online transactions. Everything is traceable, fast, and accountable. From 2007 till date, records of contributors are in our archive because the system is ICT-driven,” he said.
On the consistency of pension payments, Efenudu stated that payments had been largely regular, noting that recent delays were caused by the introduction of a new Pension Remittance System by PenCom.
He explained that the new platform requires additional data validation and approval processes before funds are released to PFAs, resulting in temporary delays beyond the Bureau’s control.
Providing details on beneficiaries, Efenudu revealed that the first batch of payments covered 542 retirees under accrued rights and 309 under harmonization, with the second batch nearing completion.
He disclosed that the delay in releasing the second batch is due to necessary deductions, including recovery of salary overpayments, outstanding loans, car and housing loans, as well as probate fees in cases involving deceased civil servants.
“When you release bulk money like this, you must be careful. If you rush, government may lose funds it cannot recover,” he said, adding that the second batch is expected to be concluded by mid-February.
In his message to pensioners still awaiting their entitlements, Efenudu urged them to ensure their contact details remain updated with their PFAs and advised workers nearing retirement not to frequently change pension administrators without proper guidance.
“Relate with your PFA the same way you relate with your bank. Once the Bureau pays, our role is almost completed. Your continuous engagement with your PFA is key to accessing your benefits seamlessly,” he advised.
He reassured retirees of the Bureau’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and timely payment of pensions, stressing that the current reforms are aimed at building a more efficient and retiree-friendly pension system in Delta State.
