Lagos to workers: Update pension records now to avoid retirement delays

The Lagos State Government has urged public servants to regularly update their records under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to ensure the seamless processing of retirement benefits and eliminate avoidable delays after retirement.

The Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, made the call on Tuesday at a sensitisation programme on the Contributory Pension Scheme organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) for public servants at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service, Mrs Olasunkanmi Oyegbola,  said the periodic sensitisation programme was designed to deepen workers’ understanding of the pension scheme while providing timely updates on policies and procedures guiding retirement benefit administration.

According to him, the exercise also provides an opportunity for public servants to update their records with LASPEC and their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), stressing that accurate and current information is critical to the seamless processing of retirement benefits.

Agoro said awareness remains a catalyst for positive change, noting that obtaining accurate information from reliable and approved sources would safeguard workers’ rights and prevent unnecessary challenges during retirement.

He urged participants to pay attention to the presentations, study the information materials provided and take advantage of the presence of Pension Fund Administrators at the venue to update their personal records.

Agoro also encouraged workers to be intentional about updating their records to reflect changes that might have occurred during their years in service, assuring them that LASPEC remained committed to making retirement benefit processing easier and more efficient.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of LASPEC, Mr. Babalola Obilana, said the Contributory Pension Scheme was established to guarantee financial security for public servants after retirement through a sustainable, transparent and well-managed pension system.

He stressed that retirement planning should not begin a few months before leaving service but should be an ongoing process throughout a worker’s career, with regular updates of personal and employment records.

Obilana explained that the sensitisation programme was carefully designed to provide practical guidance on retirement documentation, benefit processing procedures, statutory requirements and the roles of key stakeholders under the pension scheme.

He noted that the programme would also expose participants to common mistakes and omissions that often delay the processing and payment of retirement benefits, while offering practical solutions to help workers enjoy a seamless transition from active service to retirement.

The LASPEC Director-General said experienced pension administrators and subject matter experts had been assembled to educate participants on their rights, responsibilities and obligations under the Contributory Pension Scheme, urging them to actively engage in discussions and seek clarification on issues affecting their retirement plans.

He reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired workers, saying LASPEC would continue to strengthen pension administration, promote compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme and ensure retirees receive their benefits promptly, efficiently and with dignity.

Obilana also encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained at the programme with colleagues in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies to build a workforce that is well-informed and adequately prepared for retirement.