The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, has urged state governments across Nigeria to strengthen compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and expand pension coverage to ensure workers enjoy a dignified retirement.
Oloworaran made the appeal during the closing ceremony and award night of the 2026 National Pension Week held in Abuja. She emphasised the importance of strong institutions, effective pension laws and continuous collaboration among stakeholders in improving the welfare of Nigerian workers after retirement.
She explained that states yet to enact pension laws would not qualify for recognition at the National Pension Awards, stressing that having the necessary legal and institutional structures was a fundamental requirement for protecting workers’ retirement benefits.
According to her, states that have failed to establish the required legal framework cannot be considered for awards, regardless of other efforts made towards improving pension administration.
“If your state, for instance, has not even passed a law, I’m sorry, you’re not a winner,” she stated.
However, the PenCom boss acknowledged the efforts of states that were taking steps towards expanding pension coverage and complying with the requirements of the contributory pension scheme.
She noted that although achieving full compliance might take time, governments and other stakeholders must remain committed to ensuring that more Nigerian workers benefit from the scheme.
Oloworaran described the National Pension Week as an important platform for reviewing progress in the pension industry, sharing ideas and developing strategies to improve pension administration across the country.
She also praised members of the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, for their oversight responsibilities and contributions to ongoing reforms aimed at protecting pension contributors and retirees.
The PenCom Director-General disclosed that lawmakers were collaborating with the commission to review existing pension legislation to make it more effective and responsive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
She further revealed that members of the National Assembly had highlighted pension liabilities that required attention in the 2027 budget, describing their involvement as crucial to strengthening retirement security.
Oloworaran urged stakeholders to renew their commitment to expanding pension coverage, strengthening institutions and improving the living conditions of retirees.
She expressed optimism that the 2027 edition of the National Pension Week would record significant achievements towards guaranteeing better retirement benefits and financial security for Nigerian workers.
Earlier, the Director of Information and Communication Technology at PenCom and Chairman of the 2026 National Pension Week Planning Committee, Micheal Popoola, explained that the programme was organised in partnership with the Pension Operators Association of Nigeria.
He said the week-long event was designed to showcase achievements in pension reforms, increase public awareness and promote a better understanding of Nigeria’s pension system.
According to Popoola, activities featured stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment campaigns, youth-focused initiatives and exhibitions by operators in the pension industry.
He added that the programme also included a national pension leadership summit, where industry leaders and stakeholders discussed major challenges affecting the sector and explored strategies for its future development.
The event further featured the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the exit benefit scheme, while the closing ceremony ended with the National Pension Awards.
The awards recognised individuals, organisations and state governments whose contributions had helped advance pension administration and improve the country’s retirement system.
Popoola called for stronger cooperation among stakeholders, stressing the need to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable pension industry capable of protecting the financial future of Nigerians.
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