The Lagos State Government has advised public servants to keep their records under the Contributory Pension Scheme up to date to ensure the timely processing and payment of their retirement benefits.
The Head of Service, Bode Agoro, gave the advice during a sensitisation programme on the Contributory Pension Scheme organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) for public servants at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja.
He was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Olasunkanmi Oyegbola.
Agoro said the programme was organised to improve workers’ understanding of the pension scheme while providing updates on retirement policies, procedures and benefit administration.
He explained that the exercise also allowed public servants to update their records with LASPEC and their Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that accurate and current information is essential for the smooth processing of retirement benefits.
Also speaking, the Director-General of LASPEC, Mr. Babalola Obilana, urged workers to begin preparing for retirement early in their careers rather than waiting until they are close to leaving the service.
He said maintaining accurate personal and employment records throughout one’s career is key to avoiding delays during retirement.
According to Obilana, the sensitisation programme covered retirement documentation, benefit processing procedures, statutory requirements and the responsibilities of stakeholders under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He noted that participants were also educated on common errors that often delay pension payments and were given practical guidance to ensure a smooth transition from active service to retirement.
Obilana said pension administrators and other experts were available to explain workers’ rights and obligations under the scheme, encouraging participants to ask questions and seek clarification on retirement-related matters.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening pension administration, improving compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme and ensuring retirees receive their benefits without unnecessary delays.
The LASPEC director-general also urged participants to share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their ministries, departments and agencies to encourage better retirement planning across the Lagos State public service.
