The Lagos State Government has paid N1.51bn to 292 pensioners with a pledge of constant commitment to retirees. This was made known in a statement by the public affairs officer, Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mrs Mariam Adetokunbo Eko, at the 82nd Bond Presentation Ceremony.
Speaking during a brief event held Tuesday February 12, at the LASPEC Hall, NECA House, Alausa, DG Babatunde Obilana, disclosed that previous bond certificates were released to Pension Fund Administrators, however, it was reversed to serve retirees personally. In his words, “LASPEC has gone beyond the excuses of retirees waiting endlessly before they can gain access to their funds, the world is moving forward and so are we. We are dedicated to our retirees because they have painstakingly contributed their quota towards making a Greater Lagos.”
Obilana further charged the retirees to ensure that they have proper documentation to avoid delay in payment due to wrong or missing documents, and also stay clear of fraudsters. He emphasised that ‘LASPEC is devoted to ensuring that all entitlements are paid into the right sources after departure from the Civil Service. There are many people devising means of defrauding retirees of their dividends from long service. That is why we operate an open-door policy to all on pension matters. LASPEC will not call or send you messages to charge you to get your entitlements.’
While acknowledging the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pensioners, despite the huge losses from EndSARS protests, he urged the staff sustain good service and uphold the agency’s goal of openness and accountability for 2021.
Earlier, the Principal Legal Officer, LASPEC, Ms. Abimbola Akintayo, briefed the retirees on the two benefit options available: Programmed Withdrawal and Annuity. She urged the retirees to choose an option based on personal circumstances and not follow the crowd.
