To ensure that the aged and retirees do not suffer undue hardship during the on-going lockdown, the Lagos State government has paid N1.8 billion bond arrears to 418 pensioners.
According to a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, the gesture was one of the many put in place by the government to ensure that elderly citizens would not be affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mrs. Ponnle also disclosed that the usual bond presentation ceremony did not hold in compliance with the directive against gathering of more than 25 persons in any location, saying, however, that the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), transferred the bond certificates of the 418 pensioners to their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) for the pay-out of accrued rights.
READ ALSO: Why we delayed payment of gratuity –PenCom
While giving notice that the verification exercise for Lagos State pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme had been postponed, the commissioner hinted that the Civil Service Pensions Office was exploring alternative verification methods to be announced in due course.
She reiterated that LASPEC offices remain available virtually and advised pensioners with any inquiries to contact the official telephone numbers – +2348023065860; +2348023064050.
The commissioner implored pensioners to stay indoors, stay safe and observe the social distancing methods, affirming that Lagos State would continue to care for its pensioners.
