The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has called on state governments to strengthen compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and widen pension coverage so that Nigerian workers can retire with dignity.
She spoke on Saturday in Abuja at the closing ceremony and award night of the 2026 National Pension Week. She stressed the need for stronger institutions, effective pension laws and continued collaboration among stakeholders to improve retirement outcomes.
Oloworaran said states that have yet to enact pension laws cannot be considered for recognition at the National Pension Awards, adding that legal and institutional commitment is essential if workers are to receive their retirement benefits.
“If your state, for instance, has not even passed a law, I’m sorry, you’re not a winner,” she said.
She noted, however, that states making efforts to expand coverage and meet the requirements of the scheme deserve recognition, while acknowledging that full compliance will take sustained commitment.
“For everybody who has made an effort, who is trying to ensure coverage and their respect for respective states, obviously we are all winners,” she said.
According to her, the road to full compliance with the CPS may be slow, but stakeholders must stay committed to getting the desired results.
The PenCom boss said the National Pension Week offered a platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange ideas and map out strategies to strengthen pension administration in the country.
She also commended the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives Committee on Pensions, for its oversight role and support for reforms aimed at protecting contributors and retirees.
Oloworaran disclosed that lawmakers are working with the commission to review the existing pension law to make it more effective in meeting the needs of ordinary Nigerians. She added that they had also raised concerns about pension liabilities that require attention in the 2027 budget, describing their engagement as important to improving retirement security.
“They are also working with us to review the law to make it more impactful for ordinary Nigerians,” she said.
She urged stakeholders to leave the event with renewed determination to expand coverage, strengthen institutions and improve the welfare of retirees.
“When we leave here today, we should be ready to step out tomorrow and commit to greater pension coverage, stronger institutions, and better life for ordinary Nigerians,” she said.
Oloworaran expressed hope that the 2027 edition of the National Pension Week would record significant milestones towards ensuring dignified retirement for Nigerian workers.
Earlier, the PenCom Director of Information and Communication Technology and Chairman of the National Pension Week 2026 Planning Committee, Micheal Popoola, said the week-long programme was organised with the Pension Operators Association of Nigeria to showcase achievements in pension reforms and deepen public understanding of the pension system.
Popoola said the week’s activities included stakeholder engagements, public enlightenment campaigns, youth-focused initiatives and industry exhibitions. He added that a national pension leadership summit brought together industry leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues in the sector and its future direction.
The week also featured the presentation of cheques to beneficiaries of the exit benefit scheme, while the closing ceremony ended with the National Pension Awards, which recognised individuals, organisations and states whose contributions have advanced pension administration in Nigeria.
Popoola called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to build an inclusive, resilient and sustainable pension industry that serves Nigerians and secures their future.
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