The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has called on state governments across Nigeria to fully implement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), warning that incomplete adoption continues to expose workers to retirement insecurity and weak pension administration systems.
The director-general of PenCom, Omolola Oloworaran, made the appeal in Abuja during a consultative meeting with Heads of Service from states yet to fully implement the CPS and other approved pension reforms.
“The pension reform remains an obligation rooted in Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution, guaranteeing pension rights for all civil servants, including workers at state levels,” Oloworaran said.
She explained that the CPS was introduced to replace the previous pension structure, which she described as being characterised by uncertainty, delayed payments, weak accountability, and rising liabilities.
Oloworaran disclosed that while 30 states and the Federal Capital Territoryn (FCT) have enacted pension reform laws, only seven states alongside the FCT have fully implemented the scheme.
“Pension reform success or failure depends largely on state leadership,” she said, adding that PenCom remains committed to supporting states in strengthening implementation frameworks.
She also highlighted ongoing federal intervention, noting that President Bola Tinubu had approved N758 billion to settle outstanding federal pension liabilities.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, described pension reform as essential to restoring dignity and trust in public service retirement systems.
She said the CPS has improved transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability of pension administration.
Walson-Jack urged states to deepen collaboration with PenCom and other stakeholders to ensure reliable pension payments and dignified retirement outcomes for workers nationwide.
